Wingbox Fuel Cell Layout for Flexible Aircraft Propulsion Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft designs with hydrogen fuel tanks and fuel cell systems face challenges in accommodating relative motion between the propulsion system and the wing, leading to potential damage in fuel lines and increased exposure of fuel tanks to risk.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft wing design integrates a wingbox housing a fuel tank and a fuel cell system, with a propulsion system located outside the wingbox, utilizing a flexible electrical power line to deliver power from the fuel cell system to the propulsion system, thereby minimizing the need for flexible fuel lines and reducing exposure of fuel tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fuel tanks are suspended under the wings via pylons, then the fuel tanks can be easily installed and maintained, but the fuel lines are exposed to potential damage and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tanks are extracted from the external suspension configuration and relocated inside the wingbox structure. This integration removes the fuel tanks from their vulnerable external position, eliminating the need for exposed fuel lines connecting external tanks to the propulsion system, thereby reducing the risk of fuel line damage while maintaining installation feasibility through standardized mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel tank system is merged with the wingbox structure by locating the fuel tanks inside the wingbox. This consolidation integrates previously separate components (fuel tanks, wing structure, propulsion system) into a unified configuration, reducing structural complexity by eliminating external pylons and associated fuel line routing while preserving ease of manufacture through modular internal mounting
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fuel tanks are located inside the wingbox, then the fuel tanks are protected from damage and structural integrity is enhanced, but the space inside the wingbox must be allocated which may affect other components
Solution Approach 1:
The wingbox internal layout is designed with dynamic spatial allocation, where the fuel tanks, fuel cell system, and propulsion system are positioned to optimize space utilization. The flexible electrical power line allows for adaptable routing within the constrained internal space, enabling protective integration without compromising other components through rigid fixed positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible electrical power line is used to deliver power from the fuel cell system to the propulsion system, then relative motion can be accommodated, but the electrical system becomes more complex compared to rigid wiring
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible electrical power line is used instead of rigid wiring to connect the fuel cell system to the propulsion system. This flexible cable can accommodate relative motion between components while maintaining electrical connectivity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by providing a straightforward flexible connection solution that requires no complex articulated joints or sliding contacts
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 design enhances the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft by reducing the risk of fuel line rupture and minimizing exposure of fuel tanks to damage, while also providing a compact and efficient propulsion system.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell; a fuel line configured to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel cell system; an electrical power line configured to deliver electrical power from the fuel cell system to the propulsion system
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing including: a wingbox; a fuel tank; a fuel cell system with a fuel cell; a fuel line configured to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel cell system; a propulsion system carried by the wingbox; and an electrical power line configured to deliver electrical power from the fuel cell system to the propulsion system. The fuel tank and the fuel cell system are located inside the wingbox, and the propulsion system is located outside the wingbox.