Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Matthew Dooley

Clarence Lui

Fuel used as a coolant in an aircraft can be thermally conditioned for active thermal management of the airframe and engine. The fuel can be thermally conditioned using the residual cooling capacity of a power and thermal module (PTM), providing flexibility of thermal system design, or via a compact engine-mounted turbo cooler, to maximize system efficiency. The fuel can be stored in a thermal reserve tank to provide a missionized heat sink capable serviceable for periodic high heat flux equipment. The cooling and provision of cooled fuel to aircraft components can be intelligently controlled to provide efficient cooling and effectively unlimited ground hold times.

Active fuel thermal conditioning for aircraft

An aircraft cooling machine is provided that includes a closed loop air cycle system and a vapor cycle system that both provide cooling aircraft loads. The closed loop air cycle system includes a compressor and a turbine and the vapor cycle system includes a compressor, condenser and an evaporator. A coupler is provided that pneumatically couples the turbine in the closed loop air cycle system to the compressor in the vapor cycle system via existing pneumatic power in the closed loop air cycle system.

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Torrance, CA, United States of America

Matthew Dooley