Power & Thermal Systems Integration Techniques for High Performance Jet Aircraft 2012-01-2164

The high electrical power demand and heat rejection characteristics of a high energy laser pose new challenges to airframe power and thermal system designers. Typically, the power demand requires additional power storage devices and electrical generator upsizing which will adversely impact the engine performance and installation envelope. The thermal system is complicated by an already limited onboard heat sink, resulting in a bulkier system. Utilizing conventional approaches, the aircraft will suffer from additional weight, less available installation volume, and lower overall performance. This paper presents a potential integrated power and thermal system with attributes to minimize aircraft penalty. The system is a collection of various integration techniques that will be discussed individually for potential standalone application.