Thermal Transfer Sheets with Thermodynamic Fluid for Aircraft Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft heat exchangers are inefficient due to the alternating layers of oil and air, which result in a large size, excess weight, and aerodynamic drag, limiting thermal transfer efficiency and overall engine performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring thermal transfer sheets with channels filled with a thermodynamic fluid, thermally connecting air and oil layers, allowing for increased air channels and reduced oil layers, thereby optimizing thermal transfer efficiency while minimizing weight and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If alternating layers of oil and air are used in traditional heat exchangers, then thermal transfer between fluids is achieved, but the heat exchanger size becomes large and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third fluid (thermodynamic fluid) as an intermediary in thermal transfer sheets positioned between the oil and air circuits. This intermediary fluid facilitates heat transfer more efficiently than direct alternating layers, reducing the required heat exchanger size and weight while maintaining thermal transfer effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality standards to different regions: the thermal transfer sheets containing thermodynamic fluid are strategically positioned at specific locations where thermal transfer is most needed, rather than using uniform alternating layers throughout. This localized approach optimizes thermal transfer efficiency while minimizing overall heat exchanger volume and weight
2Temperature
If alternating layers of oil and air are used in traditional heat exchangers, then thermal transfer is achieved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing thermal transfer sheets with thermodynamic fluid as intermediaries, the patent reduces the number of alternating oil and air layers needed. This decreases the overall depth of the heat exchanger in the airflow direction, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag while maintaining thermal transfer efficiency
3Temperature
If more air channels are added to increase cooling capacity, then thermal transfer efficiency improves, but heat exchanger volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal transfer mechanism by introducing thermodynamic fluid in thermal transfer sheets, which has superior thermal transfer properties. This allows achieving the same or better cooling effectiveness with fewer and more compact air channels, reducing the overall heat exchanger volume
Solution Approach 2:
The thermodynamic fluid acts as a high-efficiency thermal transfer intermediary, enabling more effective heat removal from the oil circuit. This increases the cooling capacity per unit volume, allowing reduced heat exchanger volume while maintaining or improving cooling effectiveness
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 configuration enhances thermal transfer efficiency, reduces the size and weight of the heat exchanger, and improves engine performance by physically separating fluid circuits while maintaining high thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more channels having a thermodynamic fluid disposed therein and configured to transfer heat between the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit
Implementation Method 2
thermal transfer sheets with channels filled with a thermodynamic fluid
Implementation Method 3
thermally connecting the first portion and the second portion with one or more thermal transfer sheets configured to transfer thermal energy from the first portion to the second portion
Implementation Method 4
the convection of thermal energy to the air side of the heat exchanger is typically most limited and hence establishes the thermal energy transfer from the oil to air, thus cooling the oil
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger is provided having a first fluid circuit defining a first volume and configured to permit a first fluid to flow therethrough with a first fluid supply. The heat exchanger includes a second fluid circuit defining a second volume separate from the first volume and sharing at least one common wall with the first enclosed volume, and configured to permit a second fluid to flow therethrough from a second fluid supply. One or more thermal transfer sheets having one or more channels therein are configured in structural and thermal contact with both the first and second fluid circuits, the channels having a thermodynamic fluid disposed therein and configured to transfer heat between the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. A thermal transfer rate through the at least one common wall is less than a thermal transfer rate of the one or more thermal transfer sheets.