Session: 30-15 Thermal Component Performance

Paper Number: 129421

129421 - Design and Integration of a Microtube Precooler Into an Aircraft Engine Waste Heat Recovery and Fuel Systems 

In the context of advancing aviation technology towards greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact, the design of a Microtube Precooler Heat Exchanger integrated with a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) for a Jet Engine fuel system has emerged. The primary objective is to harness energy from the WHRS to preheat ammonia before undergoing a cracking process, where it is decomposed into its constituent elements- nitrogen and hydrogen. The design meets requirements for prolonged cruise operation, which ensures its robustness and viability across diverse operational regimes. The inlet parameters for the supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) side are derived from the results of a simple Brayton cycle analysis at the specified steady state operating condition. Concurrently, the demands of the ammonia side at this condition dictate the corresponding boundary conditions for effective heat transfer. In pursuit of this goal, the utilization of microtube heat exchanger technology assumes a central role. Microtubes, characterized by their small diameter, thin walls, and large surface area to volume ratio, offer a solution that is well-suited to efficient heat transfer at low weight and pressure losses. The extreme conditions under which the precooler must function, while maintaining heat exchange efficiency, also present a complex material science problem that demands careful consideration due to the use of ammonia. The successful design and integration of this component is crucial because it enhances the overall efficiency of the jet engine and consequently reduces the carbon footprint. By leveraging the properties of sCO2 and ammonia, the design promises optimal thermal performance and a step forward in sustainable aviation technologies. 

Presenting Author: Claire-Phonie Bury University of Central Florida

Presenting Author Biography: Claire-Phonie Bury is a graduate student at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Her focus is on aviation propulsion and currently she conducts research at the Center of Turbo machinery and Energy Research Lab UCF. Under the NASA University Leadership Initiative, She is researching the integration of sCO2 Waste Heat Recovery System in an Ammonia-fueled turbofan engine.

Authors:

Claire-Phonie Bury University of Central Florida
Ladislav Vesely University of Central Florida
Jayanta Kapat University of Central Florida
Mingxuan Shi The Boeing Company
Michael Stoia The Boeing Company