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System dynamics and fault diagnosis in a compact vapor compression refrigeration system for avionics cooling applications.

Author(s) : ERKINACI T., ONLER R., SERINCAN M. F.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

The increasing use of high–power-density electronics in avionics creates stringent thermal-management requirements, particularly under harsh and rapidly changing operating conditions. Compact vapor-compression refrigeration (VCR) systems are promising for device-level cooling because they can dissipate high heat fluxes while maintaining low component temperatures. In safety-critical aircraft applications, fault response must be rapid; therefore, understanding the dynamic responses of cooling systems under changing conditions is essential.
This study investigates the dynamic response of a compact VCR system designed for avionics cooling under a targeted set of faults. The specific contribution is an avionics-focused, system-level dynamic fault characterization and FDD-oriented interpretation that emphasizes transient signatures and safety-margin exceedance in compact cold-plate architectures with limited thermal inertia. A comprehensive system-level model is developed, and its credibility is strengthened through experimental comparison under repeatable hard-fault transients
(compressor stop–restart and condenser fan stop–restart). Using the validated model, fault signatures are interpreted in the transient domain, including time-to-threshold wall-temperature exceedance, pressure–enthalpy (p–h) cycle shifts, and controller/actuator responses, enabling rapid fault discrimination. Results show that faults in the electronic expansion valve, compressor, and evaporator can quickly drive the cold-plate wall temperature beyond its maximum allowable limit, underscoring the need for timely fault detection and diagnosis in avionics heat-removal systems. The findings also demonstrate that transient responses provide earlier actionable indicators than conventional steady-state FDD approaches. Overall, the work supports validated dynamic modeling as a foundation for real-time, safety-oriented diagnostics in compact avionics VCR systems.

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Pages: 13 p.

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Details

  • Original title: System dynamics and fault diagnosis in a compact vapor compression refrigeration system for avionics cooling applications.
  • Record ID : 30034786
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 185
  • Publication date: 2026/05
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.02.004

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