Variable Volume Device for Thermal Transport Bus Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy management systems in gas turbine engines face operational issues due to airflow faults such as broken pipes, which can lead to inefficiencies and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple variable volume elements connected to the thermal transport bus is used to actively or passively control the pressure of the heat exchange fluid, mitigating the effects of airflow faults by reducing pressure and improving thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal transport bus pressure is not regulated, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to operational issues from airflow faults
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator enables passive pressure regulation by automatically absorbing excess pressure energy when pressure rises and releasing it when pressure drops, without requiring active control systems. This self-regulating mechanism improves reliability while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the accumulator from a static volume to a dynamically adjustable volume that responds to pressure variations. By allowing the accumulator volume to change based on pressure conditions, the system achieves reliable pressure control without complex regulation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If pressure control is implemented to mitigate airflow fault effects, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator provides automatic pressure compensation through its inherent physical properties, eliminating the need for active control systems. The system self-regulates pressure fluctuations caused by airflow faults, improving reliability without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator acts as an intermediary element between the thermal transport bus and the heat exchangers, absorbing pressure variations and providing stable operating conditions. This intermediate pressure regulation mechanism enhances reliability without requiring complex control systems throughout the entire thermal management system.
3Productivity
If variable volume elements are used to control pressure, then thermal energy management effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator is designed as a self-regulating component that passively responds to pressure changes, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms. This self-service approach improves thermal energy management effectiveness while maintaining ease of manufacture through simpler, more reliable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the natural compressibility and expansion characteristics of the accumulator to achieve pressure control. By leveraging these inherent physical parameters rather than requiring complex mechanical or electronic control systems, the design achieves effective thermal energy management with reduced manufacturing complexity.
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 approach enhances fuel efficiency, reliability of thermal management systems, reduces the need for bleed air, and decreases engine weight by effectively managing thermal energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a flow volume of the thermal transport bus using a variable volume device in fluid communication with the thermal transport bus in response to a pressure change associated with the thermal transport bus
Data Source
AI summary
A method of regulating pressure in a thermal transport bus of a gas turbine engine, the method including: operating the gas turbine engine with the thermal transport bus having an intermediary heat exchange fluid flowing therethrough, the thermal transport bus including one or more heat source heat exchangers and one or more heat sink heat exchangers in thermal communication through the intermediary heat exchanger fluid; and adjusting a flow volume of the thermal transport bus using a variable volume device in fluid communication with the thermal transport bus in response to a pressure change associated with the thermal transport bus.