Aircraft Avionics Temperature Management

Aspen Systems proposes to develop a vapor cycle environmental control system (ECS) to manage the heat produced by the digital electronic boxes in the T-6A trainer.  The significant enabling technology for this ECS is Aspens 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 proposed technology and elements of the specific solution will be transferable to other aircraft, and other avionics systems currently deployed and planned for deployment with the Air Force.  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 will be modular and easily reconfigurable, highly efficient Environmental Control System (ECS) for avionics systems and in its broader use can be integrated into any aircrafts existing environmental control system.    The system will consume a minimum of power, will fit into the existing electronics bay of the T-6A and will integrate seamlessly to the aircraft.  During the Phase I program the system will be designed, fabricated and thermally tested.   BENEFIT: The proposed program is anticipated to benefit the Air Force through the design, development, testing and in Phase II full flight qualification of a vapor cycle cooling system for the T-6A 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 aviotion, and general aviation.