Physically based heat exchanger sizing method for the thermal management system of all-electric regional aircraft

authored by

Marius Nozinski, Behnam Parizad Benam, Carlo De Servi, Stephan Kabelac, Chiara Falsetti

Abstract

Fully electric propulsion systems integrating hydrogen-powered fuel cells and batteries are promising options to reduce the overall climate impact of regional aircraft. However, the increase in low-temperature heat sources aboard the aircraft calls for advanced thermal management system solutions. To address this challenge, this study presents a sizing methodology for ram air heat exchangers in the nacelle-integrated cooling loop of an all-electric regional aircraft based on the ATR-72 platform. Different discretization schemes are compared to identify an optimal sizing method. The results highlight the simplicity and efficiency of the 0D ϵ-NTU model. Geometric design variables are optimized with respect to drag and mass during a hot-day take-off. The resulting Pareto front reveals a tendency for low airflow outlet temperatures and large diffuser area ratios to result in lightweight designs but in turn, induce high drag and require a large installation space. Comparative analyses of specific optimal ram air duct designs and equivalent skin heat exchangers demonstrate the potential of a second heat sink over a flight mission. The limited heat transfer area of the skin heat exchanger proves insufficient for hot-day take-off and climb but offers advantages during cruise and descent thanks to the reduced drag.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Thermodynamics

External Organisation(s)

Technische Universität Braunschweig
Delft University of Technology

Type

Conference article

Journal

Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Volume

2766

No. of pages

7

ISSN

1742-6588

Publication date

2024

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Physics and Astronomy(all)

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 13 - Climate Action

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2766/1/012101 (Access: Open)