Waste-Heat Absorption Cooling for Aircraft Propulsion Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsion systems generate significant waste heat energy that is not utilized, leading to inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a vapor absorption refrigeration system driven by waste heat energy from the gas turbine engine, utilizing a closed-loop refrigerant system with components like a condenser, evaporator, absorber, and generator to drive a cooling cycle for fluids within the propulsion system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat energy is utilized through a vapor absorption refrigeration system, then propulsion system efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor absorption refrigeration system is integrated with the gas turbine engine by combining the waste heat recovery function with the existing propulsion system components. The generator and absorber are positioned to utilize exhaust gas heat directly, merging the refrigeration function into the propulsion system architecture, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The waste heat from the turbine section serves multiple purposes: it drives the vapor absorption refrigeration system for cooling fluids, and the heated fluids from the condenser and absorber can be utilized for other thermal management needs within the propulsion system. This multi-functional use of waste heat maximizes energy efficiency while justifying the added device complexity
2Temperature
If a vapor absorption refrigeration system is integrated into the gas turbine engine, then cooling capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor absorption refrigeration system is self-driven by waste heat energy from the turbine section, eliminating the need for external power sources or additional heavy mechanical compressors. The system uses the available thermal energy to circulate refrigerant and provide cooling, achieving cooling capability enhancement without proportionally increasing weight through active mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system utilizes phase transitions of the refrigerant (evaporation and condensation) to provide cooling effects. The evaporator absorbs heat from fluids to be cooled through refrigerant evaporation, while the condenser releases heat through refrigerant condensation. This phase-change-based cooling mechanism provides effective temperature control while avoiding the need for heavy mechanical compression systems
3Loss of energy
If waste heat energy is recovered using traditional heat recovery systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but footprint and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor absorption refrigeration system components (generator, absorber, condenser, evaporator) are nested within or integrated with the existing gas turbine engine structure. The heat exchangers are positioned to utilize space within the engine assembly, and the fluid circuits are routed through existing pathways where possible, thereby recovering waste heat energy efficiently while minimizing additional footprint compared to external heat recovery systems
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
The vapor absorption refrigeration system effectively utilizes waste heat energy to cool fluids, enhancing propulsion system efficiency and reducing complexity, footprint, and weight compared to other heat recovery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The generator is configured to use the waste heat energy received from the turbine section to separate an absorbent-refrigerant mixture into refrigerant and an absorbent
Implementation Method 2
The vapor absorption refrigeration system includes a condenser
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator may be configured to cool fluid that flows through a component of the gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 4
The absorber may be configured to generate absorber heat energy by introducing refrigerant vapor into an absorbent
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This assembly includes a gas turbine engine and a vapor absorption refrigeration system. The gas turbine engine includes a turbine section. The vapor absorption refrigeration system is configured to be driven by waste heat energy received from the turbine section. The vapor absorption refrigeration system includes a condenser.