Open AccessModelling of cryogenic cooling system design concepts for superconducting aircraft propulsion
Author(s) -
Palmer Joseph,
Shehab Essam
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
iet electrical systems in transportation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.588
H-Index - 26
eISSN - 2042-9746
pISSN - 2042-9738
DOI - 10.1049/iet-est.2015.0020
Subject(s) - brayton cycle , gas compressor , propulsion , heat exchanger , nuclear engineering , liquid hydrogen , mechanical engineering , heat sink , water cooling , cooling capacity , turbine , engineering , aerospace engineering , hydrogen , chemistry , organic chemistry
Distributed propulsion concepts are promising in terms of improved fuel burn, better aerodynamic performance, and greater control. Superconducting networks are being considered for their superior power density and efficiency. This study discusses the design of cryogenic cooling systems which are essential for normal operation of superconducting materials. This research project has identified six key requirements such as maintain temperature and low weight, with two critical components that dramatically affect mass identified as the heat exchanger and compressors. Qualitatively, the most viable concept for cryocooling was found to be the reverse‐Brayton cycle (RBC) for its superior reliability and flexibility. Single‐ and two‐stage reverse‐Brayton systems were modelled, highlighting that double stage concepts are preferable in specific mass and future development terms in all cases except when using liquid hydrogen as the heat sink. Finally, the component‐level design space was considered with the most critical components affecting mass being identified as the reverse‐Brayton compressor and turbine.