heat exchanger

Purdue University researchers have developed a heat exchange device to help supersonic aircraft engines stay cool.

The system features a heat exchanger that comprises various modules, where cold fuel is passed through internal mini-channels and hot air is passed in cross-flow along the finned outer surface.

The device is claimed to minimise weight and volume, while increasing heat transfer of the engine. Its modules can be configured to suit the engine package requirements.

Usually, hot engine components are cooled by air from the engine’s compressor; however such system would not be able to tackle the scenario in high-performance engines.

" My technology uses the aircraft fuel to cool the compressor air before it is used to cool the hot engine components in the aircraft."

Purdue School of Mechanical Engineering professor Issam Mudawar said: "Cooling an engine with air from the aircraft’s compressor is not viable for high-performance engines since the compressor air at supersonic speeds is too hot itself.

"My technology uses the aircraft fuel to cool the compressor air before it is used to cool the hot engine components in the aircraft."

Mudawar aims to attract funds from companies that are interested to implement the technology, which is patented through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.

"The US Air Force and the US Navy, who work with some of the fastest aircraft models, such as the high Mach supersonic aircraft, could greatly benefit from this technology," Mudawar added.

Image: An illustration of Purdue’s technology to cool aircraft engines. Photo: courtesy of Purdue University.