General Electric Company
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING HEAT FROM AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS

Abstract:

A system for removing heat from an aircraft component includes: an aircraft component; a heat exchanger in proximity to the aircraft component and having an inlet, an outlet, and an internal surface coated with a catalyst; a source of hydrocarbon fuel in fluid communication with the inlet of the heat exchanger; a source of oxygen in fluid communication with the inlet of the heat exchanger; and a distribution system for receiving reformed hydrocarbon fuel from the heat exchanger. A method of removing heat from an aircraft component includes the steps of: providing a heat exchanger in proximity to an aircraft component, the heat exchanger being in fluid communication with a source of hydrocarbon fuel and a source of water and having an internal surface coated with a catalyst; introducing a hydrocarbon fuel into the heat exchanger; introducing oxygen into the heat exchanger; contacting the hydrocarbon fuel with the catalyst; and cracking the hydrocarbon fuel to form a reformed hydrocarbon fuel and remove heat from the aircraft component.