N102-114 TITLE: Innovative Thermoelectric Cooling Augmentation for E-2D Liquid Cooling System

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-231 - E-2D Advanced Hawkeye – ACAT I

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative approaches utilizing thermoelectric cooling to augment the E-2D Liquid Cooling System (LCS).

DESCRIPTION: The E-2D utilizes a Polyalphaolefin (PAO) based LCS as the primary method for cooling certain equipment. The system operates at a 50 gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate capacity with an inlet temperature requirement of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for ground operations and 106 degrees Fahrenheit for in flight operations. The system meets all the system requirements but there is always the possibility of system growth over time. Due to numerous air vehicle constraints, thermoelectric cooling is a good option for system augmentation. Innovative concepts are sought to augment the E-2D liquid cooling system using thermoelectric cooling to create an additional 10-20 Fahrenheit degree temperature drop in the system upstream from the inlet.

Thermoelectric cooling utilizes the well known Peltier Effect which relies on the principle of applying a voltage to a thermocouple made of dissimilar metals to induce a temperature difference across the junction. This technology is used in commercial applications as well as military applications, i.e. submarines. Conventional methods of increasing Environmental Control System (ECS) capacity would require significant system redesign. Incorporation of thermoelectric cooling can be accomplished with minimal modifications utilizing available aircraft electrical power.

PHASE I: Develop initial concept design for an efficient thermoelectric cooling system to augment a liquid cooling system. Demonstrate technical feasibility of the system's ability to decrease the temperature of PAO.

PHASE II: Provide practical development of a production-scalable system and implement the recommended system developed under Phase I. Evaluate and demonstrate the systems ability to augment the LCS through laboratory testing and it's ability to decrease the temperature of PAO.

PHASE III: Transition the approach to E2-D and additional platforms that could benefit from cooling augmentation.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Any commercial air vehicles with available electric power that use a liquid cooling system and needs additional cooling capabilities could possibly benefit.

REFERENCES:
1. The Heatsink Guide: Peltier Guide. (2005). In "the Heatsink Guide. Retrieved from http://www.heatsink-guide.com/peltier.htm

2. E2-D Advanced Hawkeye. (2009). In Northrop Grumman Product Website. Retrieved from http://www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/e2dhawkeye/index.html

3. Peltier Information. (2009). In Peltier Device Information Directory. Retrieved from http://www.peltier-info.com/

KEYWORDS: Thermoelectric cooling; Polyalphaolefin (PAO); Liquid Cooling System; Heat transfer; Peltier Effect; Advanced Hawkeye

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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