Design and Operation of Airborne Refrigeration Equipment

Abstract

This paper presents some of the problems associated with the design and operation of airborne vapour cycle refrigeration equipment, created by the extreme environmental conditions, and indicates where applicable the manner in which the difficulties can be overcome. The design philosophy behind a small high‐speed oil‐free reciprocating compressor is described, by certain fundamental requirements which the designer of airborne cooling equipment must consider. The particular difficulties, associated with effects due to rapid variation of ambient air temperature and pressure, which are peculiar to design and operation of such equipment are then explained. Rapid changes in heat load necessitate careful selection of the type of compressor drive and capacity control, and since extremes of temperature occur during a comparatively short operating cycle, particular attention must be paid to control of condensing pressure, and to prevention of migration of the refrigerant liquid into the low side of the system. The effects of vibration and of high acceleration make it necessary to design the components in such a manner that they can withstand these extreme effects, both while operating and during off‐cycle periods. In conclusion, the author contends that a new field of application for refrigeration equipment is emerging as a result of the more stringent aircraft and missile requirements; considerable theoretical and experimental effort is being devoted to the many problems, and the hope is expressed that continued co‐operation between the Refrigeration and Aircraft Industries may contribute to the more conventional as well as to the more specialized applications of refrigeration.