Microtubular HeatExchanger for Aero-engines

Research Project, 2026 – 2028

Purpose and goal
The "Microtubular Heat Exchanger for Aero-engines (MicroHEX)" project will investigate the intrinsic aspects that govern the design and performance of heat-exchangers for aero-engine integration in current and forthcoming engine concepts that promise to reduce fuel burn and emissions. The project will provide the fundamentals and much needed understanding of the integration of heat-exchangers in aero-engines with particular attention to heat and flow phenomenas in microtube-based HEX.

Expected effects and result
The goals of MicroHEX are:

• Investigating flow and heat phenomena in staggered microtubular heat exchangers (MicroHEX).

• Establishing design practices for MicroHEX and their integration in aero-engines.

• Demonstrating manufacturing techniques and provide validation data for MicroHEX and associated components.

• Providing a system level understanding of the constraints and operation of MicroHEX in aero-engines.

• Position Sweden as lead in development of new HEX techniques for aero-engines.

Planned approach and implementation
MicroHEX study is divided into three work packages; one general, setting the study into context with focus on GTF+ (WP1). A GKN study with P&W supporting. WP2 is a numerical and experimental investiagation on the integration of microtube-based heat exchangers into aero-engines, lead by Chalmers and GKN (supporting). WP3 focuses on the core heat exchanger and what advantages (disadvantages) microtube-based HEX may have over the current standard plate exchangers - lead by GKN and Chalmers (supp).