US 12,193,198 B2
Propulsion system comprising a heat exchanger
Daniel J Sellars, Bristol (GB); and Alec R Groom, Caldicot (GB)
Assigned to ROLLS-ROYCE plc, London (GB)
Filed by ROLLS-ROYCE plc, London (GB)
Filed on Nov. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/512,190.
Claims priority of application No. 2218535 (GB), filed on Dec. 9, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0196574 A1, Jun. 13, 2024
Int. Cl. H05K 7/20 (2006.01); F01D 25/12 (2006.01)
CPC H05K 7/20845 (2013.01) [F01D 25/12 (2013.01); F05D 2260/20 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A propulsion system having an axial direction relating to a principal direction of propulsion, and a height direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the propulsion system comprising:
a duct configured to convey a flow of fluid along the axial direction; and
a heat exchanger disposed within the duct, wherein the heat exchanger is defined between an inlet face and an outlet face and is configured to convey the flow of fluid from the inlet face to the outlet face;
wherein a heat exchanger length is defined as a minimum distance between the inlet face and the outlet face, and wherein the heat exchanger length varies along the height direction such that a resistance to the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger varies along the height direction,
wherein the duct comprises a top wall and a bottom wall, spaced apart along the height direction, with the heat exchanger extending from the top wall to the bottom wall,
wherein the inlet face and the outlet face extend linearly at an angle relative to the axial direction from the top wall to the bottom wall of the duct,
wherein the inlet face of the heat exchanger is further upstream within the duct at the bottom wall than at the top wall, and
wherein the heat exchanger length varies along the height direction, with the heat exchanger length being smaller at the bottom wall than at the top wall.