Aircraft Thermal Accumulator Pressure Control for Variable Heat Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal management systems for aircraft are oversized and inefficient due to being designed for worst-case conditions, leading to unbalanced thermal loads and power availability, especially with the transition to electronic flight controls and varying thermal demands from systems like radar.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system comprising a tank, heat exchanger, pump, and backpressure valve that stores coolant, vaporizes it to absorb heat loads from electronic systems, and regulates pressure to control steam exhaustion, allowing for adaptable cooling capacity and temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal management systems are sized for worst-case design conditions, then reliability is improved, but system size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic thermal management system that adjusts coolant flow rates and system operation in real-time based on actual thermal loads, rather than operating at fixed worst-case design points. This allows the system to be sized for average conditions while maintaining reliability through active adaptation to varying demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as coolant flow rate, pump speed, and heat exchanger configuration dynamically to match actual thermal conditions. This allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying load conditions without requiring oversized components designed for peak worst-case scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal management systems are sized for worst-case conditions, then thermal load coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control systems that continuously monitor thermal loads and adjust operational parameters accordingly, replacing static oversized components with adaptive systems of moderate size that can respond to varying thermal demands through real-time parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system is designed to handle multiple thermal load scenarios and operational modes through a unified dynamic control architecture, allowing single components to serve multiple functions across different operating conditions rather than requiring dedicated components for each worst-case scenario.
3Power
If coolant flow rate is increased to meet peak thermal loads, then cooling capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump control that adjusts coolant flow rates to match actual thermal loads, using variable speed drives and intelligent control algorithms to deliver optimal cooling capacity while minimizing pump power consumption by avoiding continuous operation at peak flow rates.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system optimizes cooling capacity and temperature control, reducing the size and weight of thermal management systems while effectively managing varying thermal loads, even at reduced power settings and high altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger places the coolant in a heat exchange relationship with a heat load from the vehicle such that the coolant vaporizes
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger places the coolant in a heat exchange relationship with a heat load from the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The first valve, which is located downstream of the heat exchanger on the first conduit, regulates pressure within the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a tank, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve located on a conduit. The heat exchanger is located downstream of the tank, the pump is located between the tank and the heat exchanger, and the valve is located downstream of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger places the coolant in a heat exchange relationship with a heat load from the vehicle such that the coolant vaporizes. The valve regulates pressure within the heat exchanger and controls exhaustion of the vaporized coolant from the vehicle. Water, used as a coolant, can be replenished in flight by condensing a portion of the heat exchanger exhaust or condensing water as part of the environmental control system function or by condensing a portion of the engine exhaust.