Modular Approach to Adding Cooling Capacity

The objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate an approach to providing Efficient Modular Cooling Capacity (EMC2) for aircraft and other platforms. EMC2 can be used to cool avionics, electronics, or other devices in slow or fast-moving aircraft that are operating in high ambient temperatures. It utilizes a modular approach that allows EMC2 to be quickly and easily modified for various payloads. The effort will incorporate four main enabling technologies: modular architecture, a compact efficient compressor, compact heat exchangers, and an intelligent and adaptive control system. These components will be integrated into the EMC2 to meet the needs of the Air Force. All the key technologies will be at TRL 6 or higher by the end of Phase II. The proposed EMC2 is a vapor compression system (VCS). The VCS architecture was chosen because it allows for cooling of the components even during hot ambient temperatures. The baseline design utilizes a hot liquid loop to transfer heat from the EMC2 to the ambient environment and provides cold air to cool the electronics. Other designs or configurations can be utilized if needed based on the interfaces of the aircraft and equipment to be cooled.