Integrated thermal modeling of helicopters

Highlights: • An integrated thermal management system used for helicopters is proposed. • The dynamic simulation model is established. • The thermal behavior can be captured in real time under different flight conditions. • The subsystems can be optimized at the vehicle level instead of subsystem level. -- Abstract: The next generation of helicopters is facing more challenging demands in both performance and thermal loads, which affect the efficiency of the propulsion system and the reliability of subsystems. In order to manage and deploy the heat and energy of the whole helicopter, a vehicle level integrated thermal management system used for helicopters is proposed in this paper. Base on this architecture, the structural characteristics, working principles, energy and mass flow relationship of subsystems are analyzed, including the rotor subsystem, engine subsystem, fuel subsystem, oil subsystem, and environmental control subsystem. The simplified dynamic simulation model of the integrated thermal management system is established. The thermal behavior can be captured in real time under different flight conditions. The model has a good scalability and can be optimized at the vehicle level instead of subsystem level only. The models proposed in this paper provide an approach necessary for the design and development of the helicopter integrated thermal management system. Meanwhile, it can also be applied to temperature prediction, energy optimization management, thermal protection, and infrared suppression analysis for helicopters.