To address the Navys needs for an efficient, modernized fan-coil assembly, Bascom Hunter proposes UNIFORM, the Universal FCA Operations Regulating Module, an adaptive system designed for legacy FCA replacement and future vessel integration. UNIFORM incorporates high-efficiency centrifugal fans and improved size, weight, and performance (SWaP) plate-fin heat exchangers, all packaged into a universally sized enclosure. Compared with the existing Size 25 legacy FCA, power reduction of 25%, weight reduction of 20%, and volume reduction of 40% are anticipated. Weight and volume reductions result from UNIFORM providing system performance of the Sizes 21-25 legacy FCAs in the form and fit of the smallest existing Size 21 FCA. Bascom Hunters experience and expertise in fan design, heat exchanger design, and system engineering will be exploited in the development of UNIFORM. Modified high-performance centrifugal fans and motors, integrated controllers, high performance to weight ratio heat exchangers, and an adaptive digital control package make up the key system components. Prior experience with optimizing system packaging enables Bascom Hunter to design UNIFORM with an optimized performance to footprint range of applications. The primary focus of UNIFORM is a universal performance and size FCA unit, allowing new-design Navy vessels adaptivity and modularity and existing Navy vessels flexibility to replace legacy FCA units as needed. The comprehensive performance coverage of UNIFORM results from the integration of fans, controllers, heat exchangers, and control valves such that the system adapts to the load environment by adjusting fan speed, number of fans engaged, chilled water flow rate, and active heat exchanger surface area. Prior to Phase I, the components of UNIFORM are TRL 3-4, with an anticipated end of Phase I TRL of 5. UNIFORM as a system will achieve TRL 6-7 by end of Phase II. The UNIFORM program will provide the Navy with a modern, efficient FCA which will exhibit enhanced performance while requiring less vessel space footprint and also providing current vessels a cost-effective FCA replacement with universal form-fit-function, as needed.
Benefit: Thermal management is a critical system requirement for existing and future warships. As the Navy progresses toward achieving its revolutionary advancements to the fleet by integrating state-of-the-art technologies, thermal management is an increasingly critical requirement. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems contribute approximately 25% of current vessels thermal load, and technology enhancements, such as those presented by NPSE, will greatly increase thermal loading, particularly on the Large Surface Combatant (DDG(X)) program scheduled to begin FY2028. Fan-coil assemblies (FCA) are recirculation air conditioning modular systems, with current surface ships carrying between 30-50 each of different sizes. UNIFORM provides the Navy with a cost-effective system, for existing FCA replacement and future system integration, which will demonstrate increased efficiency while simultaneously reducing system required power, size, and weight. Development and demonstration of the UNIFORM in a operational environment opens avenues for added benefits across the DoD and commercially. Any facility with existing or planned FCAs could add better performance for reduced costs, a particularly important focus for HVAC systems moving forward as thermal loads are ever-increasing with adoption of more state-of-the-art electrical systems.
Keywords: heat exchanger, heat exchanger, Thermal Management, Fan Coil Assembly, Centrifugal Fan, HVAC, modular cooling, Air Conditioning
