Aircraft Avionics Temperature Management

Aspen Systems proposes to fully develop a vapor cycle environmental control system (ECS) to manage the heat produced by the digital electronic boxes in the T-6 A/B trainer. The significant enabling technology for this ECS is Aspen’s miniature compressor (now in production) and significant capability in designing high performance vapor cycle cooling systems for a wide variety of military and commercial applications. The basic innovation is to use a refrigeration cycle cooling loop to enhance heat transfer from the hot electronics enclosure to the ultimate heat sink in the thermal system. The proposed solution is a modular, easily reconfigured; highly efficient Environmental Control System (ECS) for avionics systems. In its broader use, the proposed technology can be integrated into any aircrafts existing environmental control system to either enhance performance or enable additional electronics to be added to the system. The system will consume a minimum of power, will fit into the existing electronics bay of the T-6 A/B and will integrate seamlessly to the aircraft. During the Phase II program the system specification will be fully developed, designed, and tested through safety of flight in preparation for full qualification testing. BENEFIT: The proposed program is anticipated to benefit the Air Force through the design, development, testing, and safety of flight testing of a vapor cycle cooling system for the T-6 A/B trainer. This development is anticipated to have multiple transitions to other military systems both within and external to the Air Force. Commercial applications include automotive cooling systems, commercial aviation, general aviation, and unmanned vehicles.