HTCS

Passive cooling solution validation for aircraft application

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The proposed project is part of the Cleansky activities for the “More electric” aircrafts. Such aircrafts require more power electronics integration and so “traditional” cooling systems (natural or forced convection, liquid loops,…) may reach their maximal performances because of the too high thermal dissipation density of these components. A need of heat spreading is clearly identified by the users. In this way, two-phase fluid capillary pumped heat transfer systems appear as more efficient alternative solutions thanks to their high heat transport capacity and their passive pumping capacity. Several passive cooling systems can be considered for these applications such as vapour chambers, heat pipes, high temperature loop heat pipes,… Such systems have background on space systems and environments; however, the demonstration of their functioning in avionic application, by modeling and experimental tests, is required before being equipped on an airplane.

The EHP proposal will address the development, design, manufacturing and demonstration in a relevant environment - TRL6 (technology Readiness Level) - of a two-phase passive cooling system to be used on aeronautical applications. The size of equipment to be cooled is close to an A4 format. One hundred of watts are dissipated over several localized areas with a heat flux density around 30W/cm². The equipment is located in a harsh environment characterized by an ambient temperature of 160°C and a low heat exchange coefficient. Despite these conditions, the equipment maximal temperature should not exceed 200°C.

The EHP activities will consist in the following points: - Bibliographic review - Technology selection - Fluid selection - Cooling system sizing / modeling - Prototype construction - Experimental validation'

Introduzione (Teaser)

More-electric aircraft (MEA) systems feature highly integrated electrical networks in avionics applications. EU-funded scientists are designing a passive cooling system to address thermal management of electrical hardware to guarantee its successful operation and enhance its performances.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Thermal management and reliability of electrical systems in harsh environments are critical for propelling growth of the MEA market. More efficient ways of cooling electronic devices using a technique called heat spreader are becoming a bigger piece of heat transfer solutions. However, these systems have not been hitherto demonstrated in avionics applications. Modelling and experimental tests are required before being integrated in aircraft.

The EU-funded project 'Passive cooling solution validation for aircraft application' (HTCS) is developing a two-phase heat transfer system that handles increased thermal dissipation and is passive. The work will result in a technology-readiness level six of a two-phase passive cooling system with a high heat exchange coefficient. The system's maximum temperature is expected to not exceed 200 degrees Celsius.

Scientists have already established the cooling system specifications. A trade-off and risk analysis led to selection of a heat spreader with a body made of nickel, a nickel wick and water as working fluid. Work is ongoing regarding the establishment of the interface control drawing, the cooling system design description and justification, and the breadboarding activities.

Project developments should enable aeronautical actors to completely switch to a full electrical system with the required reliability even in extremely constrained environments. The proposed HTCS system will surpass other cooling technologies in terms of heat management, size and power density. Furthermore, it will ensure an extended lifetime of the equipment allowing to reduce maintenability constraints.