Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a shut off valve for an ecology fuel return system can include an inlet for receiving a fluid, an outlet for effusing the fluid, and a valve member configured to move between an open position such that the valve member allows fluid to effuse from the outlet and a closed position such that the valve member prevents fluid from effusing from the outlet. The valve member can include a pressure deflector configured to prevent fluid flow from biasing the valve member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a first container and a second container surrounding the first container and including a fluid port. The pressure vessel further includes a barrier space extending between the first container and the second container and a leak detection mechanism connected to the fluid port on the second container that is configured to detect a leak in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A hydrogen-cooled environmental control system (ECS) is provided and includes a pressurizing system including an electric compressor that compresses RAM air into pressurized warm RAM air for a cabin and a heat exchanger in which the pressurized warm RAM air is selectively cooled by hydrogen flown from a hydrogen fuel tank toward a combustor in accordance with conditions of the pressurized warm RAM air prior to the pressurized warm RAM air reaching the cabin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides hydrogen energy conversion systems, assemblies and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides clean energy hydrogen-powered turbine and emergency hybrid power unit (EHPU) systems, assemblies and methods (e.g., for aircraft or the like). The present disclosure provides for a hydrogen based gas turbine coupled with a hydrogen fuel cell architecture. Both the turbine and the fuel cell (FC) can increase or decrease output. Energy storage batteries or ultra-capacitors can store amounts of emergency peak demand and/or emergency energy. This approach coupled with distributed redundant propulsors creates a safe and highly redundant clean aircraft. The fuel cell can act as emergency power and reduce turbine sizing. The batteries provide peak load capacity and additional emergency power. The fuel cell and gas turbine can keep the battery and/or the supercapacitor fully charged until required.

Abstract: An electricity generation and propulsion system of an aircraft is provided. The electricity generation and propulsion system includes a fuselage, a hybrid-electric power generation system operably disposed in the fuselage and a ram air turbine (RAT) device. The RAT device is coupled with the hybrid-electric power generation system and is stowable in the fuselage and deployable to an exterior of the fuselage. The RAT device is operable as a RAT when deployed into an airstream that drives rotations of the RAT from which the hybrid-electric power generation system generates electricity, and the RAT device is operable as a propulsor when deployed and driven by the hybrid-electric power generation system.

Abstract: A valve having a first segment between a first outer wall and a first inner wall and has a first outer port near the first outer wall and a side port between the first inner and outer walls; a second segment between a second outer wall and a second inner wall and has a second outer port near the second outer wall; a center segment between the first and second inner walls, and a center port; and a piston within the valve, having: a first piston head in the first segment that slides to block and unblock the side port; a second piston head in the second segment that slides between the second inner and outer walls, the second piston head having a surface area that is the same as the first piston head; and a shaft connecting the first and second piston heads.

Abstract: A last chance screen for a fuel system includes a mesh that includes a first plurality of members extending in a first direction and a second plurality of members extending in a second direction and intersecting the first members. Openings are formed in the mesh between the first plurality of members and the second plurality of members. The first plurality of members and the second plurality of members have an airfoil shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A last chance screen for a fuel system includes a mesh that includes a first plurality of members extending in a first direction and a second plurality of members extending in a second direction and intersecting the first members. Openings are formed in the mesh between the first plurality of members and the second plurality of members. The first plurality of members and the second plurality of members have an airfoil shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A multi-disk brake system comprises an electrical generator disposed therein. The electrical generator is configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The mechanical energy may be generated during a braking event of the multi-disk brake system. The electric generator may power various electrical components on the aircraft or store the electrical energy in a capacitor bank. The electric generator may also act as a motor and/or power a landing gear in a motor configuration.

Abstract: An air data system includes an air data probe and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor attached to the air data probe for detecting particulate accumulation. The air data probe includes a probe head, a strut connected to the head, and a mounting plate connected to the strut. The probe head has an inlet, an interior surface extending from the inlet, and an exterior surface extending from the inlet.

Abstract: A brake system may comprise a hydraulic brake system or a hybrid brake system. The hydraulic brake system may include an inner axle disposed in an inner axle housing. The inner axle housing may include a working fluid therein. The inner axle may comprise a plurality of paddles extending radially from the inner axle. The working fluid may be pressurized and/or create friction with the plurality of paddles. The pressurized working fluid may impede a free rotation of the plurality of paddles.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a first container and a second container surrounding the first container and including a fluid port. The pressure vessel further includes a barrier space extending between the first container and the second container and a leak detection mechanism connected to the fluid port on the second container that is configured to detect a leak in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a fin body and a heat pipe having a first portion disposed on or at least partially within the fin body and a second portion extending from the fin body, wherein the heat pipe includes a hollow core filled with a heat pipe working fluid having a liquid phase that is configured to transition to gas and to be returned to the liquid phase at an operational temperature of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system can include a turbomachine having a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a compressor turbine. The compressor can be connected to the compressor turbine via a first shaft. The system can include a hybrid drive assembly which can include a power turbine in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor turbine to be driven by compressor turbine exhaust to drive a second shaft that is disconnected from the first shaft. The hybrid drive assembly can also include an electrical machine mechanically coupled to the second shaft either to convert rotational energy to electrical energy or to convert electrical energy to rotational energy of the second shaft.

Abstract: An air data system includes an air data probe and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor attached to the air data probe for detecting particulate accumulation. The air data probe includes a probe head, a strut connected to the head, and a mounting plate connected to the strut. The probe head has an inlet, an interior surface extending from the inlet, and an exterior surface extending from the inlet.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a first container and a second container surrounding the first container and including a fluid port. The pressure vessel further includes a barrier space extending between the first container and the second container and a leak detection mechanism connected to the fluid port on the second container that is configured to detect a leak in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to equalizing wearing of a plurality of electrical power generators of an aircraft. Such equalization is achieved by logging operating conditions of at least a powered subset of the electrical power generators and then comparing of the logged operating conditions of each of the plurality of electrical power generators. Based on the comparison of the logged operating conditions, one of the plurality of electrical power generators for use the aircraft is recommended. A signal indicative of the recommended one of the electrical power generators determined is then generated.

Abstract: A starter air valve has a valve member and an actuator. A rotary spool valve has a rotatable valve body and an outer housing to selectively provide three modes of operation for the starter air valve. A first mode of operation connects air through the rotatable valve body to communicate with an actuator control, and to receive air back from the actuator control. The rotatable valve body then communicates the air to the actuator. In a second mode the rotatable valve body blocks communication between the actuator control and the actuator, and delivers air through a variable area port in a wall of the rotatable valve body to bypass the valve member. In a third mode the rotatable valve body blocks communication between the actuator and the actuator control, and connects air to the actuator without having passed to the actuator control. A starter air system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a shut off valve for an ecology fuel return system can include an inlet for receiving a fluid, an outlet for effusing the fluid, and a valve member configured to move between an open position such that the valve member allows fluid to effuse from the outlet and a closed position such that the valve member prevents fluid from effusing from the outlet. The valve member can include a pressure deflector configured to prevent fluid flow from biasing the valve member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A fuel pump system for a turbomachine engine can include a boost pump driven by an electric motor and configured to be in fluid communication with a fuel tank, a primary pump configured to be driven by a shaft connected to the turbomachine engine, wherein the primary pump is in fluid communication with the boost pump downstream of the boost pump by a boost branch, a bypass flow branch that connects the boost branch to a downstream branch that is downstream of the primary pump, the downstream branch is in fluid communication with one or more metering valves and/or one or more fuel nozzles, and a bypass valve disposed in the bypass flow branch and/or the downstream branch and configured to selectively directly fluidly communicate the boost branch and the downstream branch.