Method and system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing safe reentry indication

Abstract

Methods and systems for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing a safe re-entry indication are described. Methods and systems for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication to provide confidence that re-entry after an operation is safe are described. These methods and systems are based on utilizing outside air and / or filtered air to reduce the concentration of infectious agents within the cabin. In some examples, a method is performed following a contamination event (e.g., the presence of a patient in flight) and / or as part of a scheduled service (e.g., between flights). The amount of time the system operates to introduce a compound into the cabin is specifically calculated to reduce the proportion of remaining infectious agents to below a desired level, thereby reducing the initial concentration of contamination within the cabin. The duration of the decontamination depends on the cabin volume and the incoming air flow rate. For example, after nine minutes of flowing incoming air at 20 air changes per hour, the proportion of remaining air will be less than 5%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and systems for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing safe re-entry indication. Background Art

[0002] Contaminants may be introduced or present in areas, rendering them unsuitable for further use. For example, with the increasing popularity of air and other types of travel and new destinations, the potential for the spread of infectious diseases has increased dramatically. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Described herein are methods and systems for purifying the cabin and providing an indication that re-entry is safe. These methods and systems are based on replacing the air inside the cabin with outside air and / or filtered air. In some examples, a method is performed after a contamination event (e.g., the presence of a patient in flight) and / or as part of a scheduled service (e.g., between flights). The amount of air introduced into the cabin is specifically calculated to reduce the fraction of remaining air to below a desired level, thereby reducing the concentration of contaminants in the cabin. The duration of the purification depends on the cabin volume and the flow rate of the introduced air. For example, after flowing introduced air for 10 minutes at 20 air changes per hour, the fraction of remaining air will be less than 5%. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft including a system for purging an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that it is safe to re-enter the aircraft cabin, according to some examples.

[0005] Figure 2 Based on some examples Figure 1 A block diagram of an aircraft illustrating various components of a system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that it is safe to re-enter the aircraft cabin.

[0006] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a controller of a system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that it is safe to re-enter the aircraft cabin, illustrating various inputs and outputs of the controller, according to some examples.

[0007] Figure 4 is a process flow diagram of a method for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that it is safe to re-enter the aircraft cabin, according to some examples.

[0008] Figure 5 Plots of the remaining air fraction as a function of time for two different flow rates are illustrated.

[0009] Figure 6 is a process flow diagram corresponding to a method of manufacturing and servicing an aircraft.

[0010] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example aircraft is illustrated, according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts presented. In some examples, the concepts presented can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, well-known processing steps are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the concepts described. Although some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it should be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0012] introduce

[0013] Described herein are systems and methods for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and externally indicating that the decontamination process is complete (e.g., when the aircraft cabin is free of infectious agents / diseases). In some examples, these systems and methods rely at least in part on the aircraft's existing environmental control system (ECS) while providing novel indication features for various users (e.g., airlines, flight crews, maintenance personnel, ground personnel).

[0014] For example, the purification system is activated when the aircraft cabin is unoccupied and, in some examples, the doors are closed. A controller determines the required output of air delivered into the cabin by one or more air conditioning units and one or more fans, thereby defining a total intake flow rate. In some examples, this total intake flow rate is expressed in air changes per hour, where 1 air change per hour represents a flow rate corresponding to the aircraft's volume divided by the hour. It should be noted that as intake air flows into the cabin, it displaces air already present in the cabin, which may contain contaminants. Initially, the displaced air is primarily raw cabin air—i.e., the air from before the system was activated. As purification proceeds, raw air represents a smaller proportion of the air displaced, as the proportion of raw cabin air decreases. This proportion is referred to as the residual air fraction. The purification process involves replacing raw cabin air to achieve a minimum residual air fraction. This minimum residual air fraction is selected, for example, based on the type of contaminant, the likelihood of contamination, and other similar factors.

[0015] The total inlet flow rate, the volume of the aircraft, and the desired level of residual air fraction are used by the controller to determine the duration of the decontamination process. In some examples, additional input from the controller (e.g., from one or more biosensors located in the aircraft cabin) is used to determine the duration (e.g., if contaminants are still present above the permitted level, the decontamination process is extended).

[0016] Upon completion of the decontamination process, the controller provides an input to an external indicator (e.g., located outside the cabin) indicating that the decontamination process is complete and the cabin is safe to enter. It should be noted that in some examples, entering the aircraft cabin during the decontamination process may interfere with the decontamination process (e.g., altering air circulation) and / or be potentially unsafe for entering personnel (e.g., airborne contaminants). In some examples, the external indicator is a light located closest to the aircraft door.

[0017] In some examples, the system is manually started and controlled. For example, a switch at the cockpit is used to start the process. In some examples, the system is automatically started and controlled. For example, a door sensor is used to start the process when all doors are detected to be closed. In some examples, a biosensor is used to provide input to the controller (e.g., based on the level of pollutants in the cabin). Also, in some examples, the biosensor checks the cabin air that was recently cleaned / purified to ensure that the timer and controller are effective in fully purifying and cleaning the cabin air. In some examples, a controller is used to control the speed of the ECS system fan to obtain a high flow rate through the cabin, thereby reducing turn time. A new variable speed fan can replace the fixed speed fan in the system to assist in this high-speed flow method.

[0018] Purification system example

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft 190 including a system 100 for decontaminating an aircraft cabin 150 and providing an indication that it is safe to re-enter the aircraft cabin 150 , according to some examples. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 FIG1 is a block diagram of an aircraft 190 illustrating the various components included in the system 100 .

[0020] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, system 100 includes one or more air conditioning packs 130 configured to receive ambient air from outside an aircraft 190 and supply the ambient air into a cabin 150 of the aircraft 190. System 100 also includes one or more filters 142 and one or more fans 140 configured to receive cabin air from the cabin 150 of the aircraft 190, pass the cabin air through the one or more filters 142 to generate filtered air, and supply the filtered air into the cabin 150. In some examples, the one or more air conditioning packs 130, the one or more fans 140, and the one or more filters 142 are part of the ECS of the aircraft 190. In other words, the one or more air conditioning packs 130, the one or more fans 140, and the one or more filters 142 are also used during other operations of the aircraft 190, such as during flight.

[0021] System 100 also includes a controller 110 communicatively coupled to one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140. System 100 is configured to receive a purge request 122 and determine operating parameters 112 for one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 to perform a purge of an aircraft cabin 150. Various types of operating parameters 1121 are within a range. For example, operating parameters 112 include a duration for operating one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140. In some examples, the duration for operating one or more air conditioning groups 130 is the same as the duration for operating one or more fans 140. Alternatively, the duration for operating one or more air conditioning groups 130 is different from the duration for operating one or more fans 140. For example, the duration for operating one or more air conditioning groups 130 is longer than the duration for operating one or more fans 140. In another example, the duration for operating one or more air conditioning groups 130 is shorter than the duration for operating one or more fans 140. In some examples, the period during which one or more air conditioning groups 130 are operated overlaps the period during which one or more fans 140 are operated. Alternatively, the period during which one or more air conditioning groups 130 are operated overlaps the period during which one or more fans 140 are operated. For example, the process may begin by operating only one or more air conditioning groups 130 and then later turn on one or more fans 140. Alternatively, the process may begin by operating only one or more fans 140 and then later turn on one or more air conditioning groups 130.

[0022] In some examples, the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140 is determined based on one or more of the following: (a) the cabin volume, (b) the combined ventilation rate provided by the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140, and (c) an acceptable proportion of the remaining air in the aircraft 190. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This determination is further described. Generally speaking, a larger cabin volume requires a longer purge time, and vice versa. A smaller combined ventilation rate requires a longer purge time, and vice versa. A lower acceptable ratio of residual air requires a longer purge time, and vice versa.

[0023] The system 100 also includes an indicator 128 that is communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and configured to receive a completion indication 126 from the controller 110 and present the completion indication 126 to the indicator 128 to indicate that reentry is safe. In some examples, the completion indicator 128 is located on the exterior of the aircraft 190 and is visible to personnel outside the aircraft 190. For example, the completion indicator 128 is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet bay, or an airport gate. In some examples, the completion indicator 128 includes or is coupled to a wireless transmitter, for example, to notify remote users and systems of the completion of the decontamination process. For example, the departure time of a flight may depend on the completion of the decontamination process.

[0024] In some examples, the system 100 further includes an input device 120 communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and configured to send a purge request 122 to the controller 110. For example, the input device 120 is one of a cockpit switch and a flight attendant panel. However, other examples are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] In some examples, system 100 also includes one or more biosensors 152 located within cabin 150 of aircraft 190. One or more biosensors 152 are configured to measure the presence of one or more pollutants in cabin 150, or more specifically, the concentration of such pollutants. One or more biosensors 152 are communicatively coupled to controller 110 and configured to provide pollutant concentration input 153 to controller 110. In these examples, controller 110 is configured to use pollutant concentration input 153 to trigger operation of one or more air conditioning units 130 and one or more fans 140. For example, one or more biosensors 152 may determine that a pollutant concentration exceeds a certain threshold and notify controller 110 of this event. This portion of the process is performed at any time. In some embodiments, one or more biosensors 152 continuously monitor pollutants in cabin 150. Upon receiving pollutant concentration input 153 from one or more biosensors 152, controller 110 schedules a decontamination process, which may or may not occur immediately. For example, the cabin 150 may still be occupied when a contamination event is detected, in which case the decontamination process is scheduled for the future, eg, when the cabin 150 is empty of passengers.

[0026] In some examples, the controller 110 is configured to use the pollution concentration input 153 to modify the operating parameters 112 of the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140. For example, the initially determined duration for operating the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140 is modified based on the pollution concentration input 153 (e.g., the duration is shortened if the pollution concentration input 153 indicates that the pollutant concentration decays more quickly, or the duration is extended if the pollution concentration input 153 indicates that the pollutant concentration decays more slowly).

[0027] In some examples, operating parameters 112 also include the operating output of each air conditioner group in one or more air conditioner groups 130 and each fan in one or more fans 140. It should be noted that the combined ventilation rate is based on the ventilation rates of each air conditioner in one or more air conditioner groups 130 and the ventilation rates of each fan in one or more fans 140. In some examples, the ratio of the ventilation rates of each air conditioner in one or more air conditioner groups 130 to the ventilation rates of each fan in one or more fans 140 is 50% / 50%. In some examples, this ratio is in the range of 10% / 90% to 90% / 10%. For example, this ratio is selected based on the condition of one or more filters 142, external weather conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity), etc.

[0028] In some examples, system 100 also includes one or more door sensors 154 located at each door. One or more door sensors 154 are configured to determine whether each door is closed or open. It should be noted that the decontamination process has varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the location of the doors. Furthermore, closing the doors helps control the spread of contaminants. In some examples, the decontamination process is initiated only when all doors are closed.

[0029] One or more door sensors 154 are communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and configured to provide a door closed input 157 to the controller 110. The controller 110 is configured to initiate operation of the one or more air conditioning units 130 and the one or more fans 140 based on the door closed input 157. For example, the controller 110 delays operation until all doors are closed. In some examples, the process continues while one or more doors remain open. In some examples, the operating parameters 112 of the one or more air conditioning units 130 and the one or more fans 140 are further determined based on the door closed input 157. For example, if one or more doors are open, a higher combined ventilation rate is used.

[0030] Figure 3 Various inputs and outputs of controller 110 are illustrated. For example, controller 110 receives (or stores) cabin volume information, which is used to determine (e.g., calculate) operating parameters 112, such as operating duration 113. In the same or other examples, controller 110 receives (or stores) a combined ventilation rate, which is also used to determine operating parameters 112, such as operating duration 113. In the same or other examples, controller 110 receives (or stores) a remaining air threshold, which is also used to determine operating parameters 112, such as operating duration 113. Other examples of controller inputs include a purge request, a contaminant concentration, and a door closure input. The controller uses this information to determine operating parameters 112, which are communicated to one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 during execution of the purge process. Furthermore, controller 110 generates a completion indication 126, which is communicated, for example, to indicator 128.

[0031] Purification method examples

[0032] Figure 4 is a process flow diagram of a method 400 for decontaminating an aircraft cabin 150 and providing an indication that it is safe to re-enter the aircraft cabin 150, according to some examples. The various operations of the method 400 are performed using the system 100, which is described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 Described.

[0033] Method 400 includes the following steps: receiving (block 410) a purge request 122 at controller 110. For example, input device 120 sends purge request 122 to controller 110 based on, for example, identification of a contamination event in aircraft cabin 150. Various examples of identifying a contamination event are included, such as a passenger experiencing or reporting symptoms, receiving an external report based on a passenger manifest, receiving input from one or more biometric sensors 152, etc. For example, purge request 122 is received from input device 120 communicatively coupled to controller 110, where input device 120 is one of a cockpit switch and a flight attendant panel. In another example, purge request 122 is received from one or more biometric sensors 152 located within cabin 150 of aircraft 190. More specifically, purge request 122 includes contaminant concentration input 153 exceeding a set threshold.

[0034] Method 400 includes the following steps: determining (block 420) operating parameters 112 for one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 of an aircraft 190 at controller 110. The operating parameters 112 include at least a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140. Other examples of operating parameters include the operating output (e.g., ventilation rate) of each of the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and each of the one or more fans 140, the order in which the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 are operated, and the like. The duration for operating the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 is determined based on at least (a) the cabin volume of the aircraft 190, (b) the combined ventilation rate provided by the air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140, and (c) a residual air threshold in the aircraft 190. The residual air threshold reflects the concentration of residual contaminants in the aircraft cabin.

[0035] Figure 5 Illustrated is a plot of the remaining air ratio over time for two different flow rates. Specifically, line 500 corresponds to a flow rate of 20 air changes per hour, while line 510 corresponds to a flow rate of 30 air changes per hour. Line 520 represents an example of a remaining air ratio threshold value, which is set at 10% in this example. At a flow rate of 20 air changes per hour, the threshold value is reached in approximately 7 minutes. At a flow rate of 30 air changes per hour, the threshold value is reached in approximately 4 minutes. This threshold value depends on the type of pollutant and other similar parameters.

[0036] Method 400 continues by operating (block 430) one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 according to the operating parameters to purify cabin 150. In some examples, the operating output (e.g., ventilation rate) of each of the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and each of the one or more fans 140 is changed while operating (block 430) the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140.

[0037] In some examples, operation of one or more air conditioning groups 130 and one or more fans 140 is performed when aircraft 190 is grounded. Also, in some examples, the operation is performed when aircraft 190 is empty and has no passengers. Figure 4 For purposes of this disclosure, the term “passenger” is defined as a person or animal capable of carrying contaminants on board aircraft 190 .

[0038] If the cabin is not empty, the method 400 continues by evacuating (block 428) passengers from the aircraft cabin 150. In some examples, the method 400 also includes the step of confirming (block 424) that the cabin 150 of the aircraft 190 is empty and free of passengers before operating (block 430) the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140.

[0039] Method 400 continues by providing (block 440) a completion indication 126 to indicator 128 upon completion of decontamination of cabin 150. For example, completion indicator 128 is located on the exterior of aircraft 190 and is visible to personnel outside aircraft 190. More specifically, completion indicator 128 is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet cabin, or an airport gate. In some examples, completion indicator 128 includes or is coupled to a wireless transmitter.

[0040] In some examples, method 400 further includes the step of receiving (block 450) a contaminant concentration 153 in cabin 150. Contaminant concentration 153 is received at controller 110 and from one or more biosensors 152 located in cabin 150 of aircraft 190. Furthermore, contaminant concentration 153 is received while operating (block 430) one or more air conditioning units 130 and one or more fans 140. For example, one or more biosensors 152 continuously monitor the concentration of contaminants during the decontamination process. Method 400 continues by modifying (block 422) operating parameters 112 based on contaminant concentration 153 in cabin 150.

[0041] In some examples, the method 400 further includes the step of receiving (460) a door closed input 157 corresponding to the open-closed position of each door at the controller 110 and from one or more door sensors 154. In a more specific example, the operation of the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140 (block 430) is based on the door closed input 157 (see Figure 4 In some examples, the operating parameters 112 of the one or more air conditioning groups 130 and the one or more fans 140 are further determined based on the door closing input 157.

[0042] Aircraft Example

[0043] In some examples, the methods and systems described above are used on aircraft and more generally by the aerospace industry. Specifically, these methods and systems can be used during aircraft manufacturing and during aircraft maintenance and repair.

[0044] Thus, the apparatus and method described above are suitable for use in Figure 6 Aircraft manufacturing and service method 900 is shown and Figure 7 Aircraft 902 is shown. During pre-production, method 900 includes specification and design 904 of aircraft 902 and material procurement 906. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 908 and system integration 910 of aircraft 902 may occur. Thereafter, aircraft 902 undergoes certification and delivery 912 for placement into service 914. While in service with a customer, aircraft 902 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 916, which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc.

[0045] In some examples, each of the processes of method 900 is performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this description, a system integrator includes, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors; a third party includes, without limitation, any number of manufacturers, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, or the like.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, an aircraft 902 produced according to method 900 includes a fuselage 918 having a plurality of systems 920 and an interior 922. Fuselage 918 includes the wings of aircraft 902. Examples of systems 920 include one or more of the following: a propulsion system 924, an electrical system 926, a hydraulic system 928, and an environmental system 930. Any number of other systems may be included.

[0047] During any one or more of these stages of method 900, the apparatus and methods presented herein can be employed. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to manufacturing 908 can be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 902 is in service. Furthermore, during manufacturing 908 and system integration 910, one or more apparatus examples, method examples, or a combination thereof can be utilized, for example, to significantly expedite assembly of aircraft 902 or reduce the cost of the aircraft. Similarly, while aircraft 200 is in service, one or more apparatus examples, method examples, or a combination thereof can be utilized, for example and without limitation, to perform maintenance and service 916.

[0048] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes implementations according to the following clauses:

[0049] 1. A method (400) of decontaminating a cabin (150) of an aircraft (190) and providing an indication that re-entry into the cabin (150) is safe, the method (400) comprising the steps of:

[0050] Receiving (410) a purge request (122) at a controller (110);

[0051] determining (420) at the controller (110) operating parameters (112) of one or more air conditioning groups (130) and one or more fans (140) of the aircraft (190),

[0052] wherein the operating parameters (112) include at least the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and

[0053] wherein the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is determined based on at least a cabin volume of the aircraft (190), a combined ventilation rate provided by the air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and a residual air threshold of the aircraft (190);

[0054] operating (430) the one or more air conditioning units (130) and the one or more fans (140) according to the operating parameters to purify the cabin (150); and

[0055] Upon completion of decontamination of the nacelle (150), a completion indication (126) is provided to an indicator (128).

[0056] 2. The method (400) of clause 1, wherein the purge request (122) is received from an input device (120) communicatively coupled to the controller (110), wherein the input device (120) is one of a cockpit switch and a crew panel.

[0057] 3. The method (400) of clause 1 or 2, wherein the decontamination request (122) is received from one or more biosensors (152) located within a cabin (150) of the aircraft (190).

[0058] 4. The method (400) of clause 3, wherein the purge request (122) includes a pollutant concentration input (153) exceeding a set threshold.

[0059] 5. The method (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the operating parameters (112) further include operating outputs of each of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and each of the one or more fans (140).

[0060] 6. The method (400) of clause 5, wherein the operating output of each of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and each of the one or more fans (140) is changed when operating (430) the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0061] 7. The method (400) according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising the following steps:

[0062] receiving (450) a pollutant concentration (153) in a cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) at the controller (110) and from one or more biosensors (152) located in the cabin (150) while operating (430) the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140); and

[0063] The operating parameter (112) is modified based on the pollutant concentration (153) in the cabin (150).

[0064] 8. The method (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising the step of receiving, at the controller (110) and from one or more door sensors (154), a door closing input (157) corresponding to an open-close position of each hatch door.

[0065] 9. The method (400) of clause 8, wherein operating (430) the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is initiated based on the door closing input (157).

[0066] 10. The method (400) of clause 8, wherein the operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) are further determined based on the door closing input (157).

[0067] 11. The method (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located on the exterior of the aircraft (190) and is visible to personnel outside the aircraft (190).

[0068] 12. The method (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet cabin, or an airport door and is visible to a person outside the aircraft (190).

[0069] 13. The method (400) of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the completion indicator (128) comprises or is coupled to a wireless transmitter.

[0070] 14. The method (400) according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein operating (430) at least the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is performed while the aircraft (190) is grounded.

[0071] 15. The method (400) according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein operating (430) at least the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is performed when the cabin (150) of the aircraft (150) is empty and without passengers.

[0072] 16. The method (400) according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, further comprising the step of confirming that the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) is empty and free of passengers before executing (430) the operation of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0073] 17. A system (100) for decontaminating a cabin (150) of an aircraft (190) and providing an indication that re-entry into the cabin (150) is safe, the system (100) comprising:

[0074] one or more air conditioning packs (130) configured to receive ambient air from outside an aircraft (190) and supply the ambient air into the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190);

[0075] one or more filters (142);

[0076] one or more fans (140) configured to receive cabin air from the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190), pass the cabin air through the one or more filters (142) to generate filtered air, and supply the filtered air into the cabin (150);

[0077] a controller (110) communicatively coupled to the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and configured to receive a purge request (122) and determine operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) to perform the purge,

[0078] wherein the operating parameters (112) include durations for operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and

[0079] wherein the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is determined based on one or more of: (a) a cabin volume of the aircraft (190), (b) a combined ventilation rate provided by the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and (c) an acceptable proportion of residual air in the aircraft (190); and

[0080] An indicator (128) is communicatively coupled to the controller (110) and is configured to receive a completion indication (126) from the controller (110) and present the completion indication (126) to the indicator (128) to indicate that reentry of the nacelle is safe.

[0081] 18. The system (100) of clause 17, further comprising an input device (120) communicatively coupled to the controller (110) and configured to send a purge request (122) to the controller (110), wherein the input device (120) is one of a cockpit switch and a crew panel.

[0082] 19. The system (100) of any one of clauses 17 or 18, further comprising one or more biosensors (152) located within the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190), the one or more biosensors being communicatively coupled to the controller (110) and configured to provide a pollution concentration input (153) to the controller (110).

[0083] 20. The system (100) of clause 19, wherein the controller (110) is configured to use the pollution concentration input (153) to trigger operation of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0084] 21. The system (100) of clause 19, wherein the controller (110) is configured to use the pollution concentration input (153) to modify the operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0085] 22. The system (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 21, wherein the operating parameters (112) further include operating outputs of individual air conditioning groups in the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and individual fans in the one or more fans (140).

[0086] 23. The system (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 22, further comprising one or more door sensors (154) located at each hatch, the one or more door sensors being communicatively coupled to the controller (110) and configured to provide a door closing input (157) to the controller (110) corresponding to an open-close position of each hatch.

[0087] 24. The system (100) of clause 23, wherein the controller (110) is configured to initiate operation of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) based on the door closing input (157).

[0088] 25. The system (100) of clause 23, wherein the operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) are further determined based on the door closing input (157).

[0089] 26. The system (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 25, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located on the exterior of the aircraft (190) and is visible to personnel outside the aircraft (190).

[0090] 27. The system (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 26, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet cabin, or an airport door and is visible to a person outside the aircraft (190).

[0091] 28. The system (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 27, wherein the completion indicator (128) comprises or is coupled to a wireless transmitter.

[0092] in conclusion

[0093] Although the foregoing concepts have been described in considerable detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement the processes, systems, and devices. Therefore, the present examples are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A method (400) of decontaminating a cabin (150) of an aircraft (190) and providing an indication that re-entry into the cabin (150) is safe, the method (400) comprising the steps of: Receiving (410) a purge request (122) at a controller (110); determining (420) at the controller (110) operating parameters (112) of one or more air conditioning groups (130) and one or more fans (140) of the aircraft (190), wherein the operating parameters (112) include at least the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and wherein the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is determined based on at least a cabin volume of the aircraft (190), a combined ventilation rate provided by the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and a residual air fraction of the aircraft (190); operating (430) the one or more air conditioning units (130) and the one or more fans (140) according to the operating parameters to purify the cabin (150); and Upon completion of decontamination of the cabin (150), providing a completion indication (126) to an indicator (128), As the purification progresses, the original air in the cabin represents a small proportion of the air that is replaced because the proportion of the original air in the cabin decreases, wherein the small proportion is referred to as the remaining air proportion.

2. The method (400) of claim 1, wherein: The purge request (122) is received from an input device (120) communicatively coupled to the controller (110), wherein the input device (120) is one of a cockpit switch and a flight attendant panel.

3. The method (400) of claim 1, wherein: The decontamination request (122) is received from one or more biosensors (152) located within a cabin (150) of the aircraft (190).

4. The method (400) of claim 3, wherein: The purge request (122) includes a pollutant concentration input (153) that exceeds a set threshold.

5. The method (400) of claim 1, wherein: The operating parameters (112) also include operating outputs of each of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and each of the one or more fans (140).

6. The method (400) of claim 5, wherein: The operating output of each of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and each of the one or more fans (140) changes when the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) are operated (430).

7. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the following steps: receiving (450) a pollutant concentration (153) in a cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) at the controller (110) and from one or more biosensors (152) located in the cabin (150) while operating (430) the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140); and The operating parameter (112) is modified (422) based on the pollutant concentration (153) in the cabin (150).

8. The method (400) according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: Door closing inputs (157) corresponding to the open-closed position of each door are received at the controller (110) and from one or more door sensors (154).

9. The method (400) of claim 8, wherein: Operating (430) the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is initiated based on the door closing input (157).

10. The method (400) of claim 8, wherein: The operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) are further determined based on the door closing input (157).

11. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The completion indicator (128) is located on the exterior of the aircraft (190) and is visible to personnel outside the aircraft (190).

12. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The completion indicator (128) includes or is coupled to a wireless transmitter.

13. The method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Operating (430) at least the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is performed while the aircraft (190) is grounded, empty, and without passengers.

14. A system (100) for decontaminating a cabin (150) of an aircraft (190) and providing an indication that re-entry into the cabin (150) is safe, the system (100) comprising: one or more air conditioning packs (130) configured to receive ambient air from outside the aircraft (190) and supply the ambient air into the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190); one or more filters (142); one or more fans (140) configured to receive cabin air from the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190), pass the cabin air through the one or more filters (142) to generate filtered air, and supply the filtered air into the cabin (150); a controller (110) communicatively coupled to the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and configured to receive a purge request (122) and determine operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) to perform the purge, wherein the operating parameters (112) include durations for operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and wherein the duration of operating the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140) is determined based on at least: (a) a cabin volume of the aircraft (190), (b) a combined ventilation rate provided by the one or more air conditioning groups (130) and the one or more fans (140), and (c) a residual air fraction in the aircraft (190); and an indicator (128) communicatively coupled to the controller (110) and configured to receive a completion indication (126) from the controller (110) and present the completion indication (126) to the indicator (128) to indicate that reentry of the nacelle is safe, wherein the one or more air conditioning groups and the one or more fans operate according to the operating parameters to purify the cabin, and upon completion of purifying the cabin, the controller provides the completion indication to the indicator, As the purification progresses, the original air in the cabin represents a small proportion of the air that is replaced because the proportion of the original air in the cabin decreases, wherein the small proportion is referred to as the remaining air proportion.

15. The system (100) of claim 14, further comprising an input device (120) communicatively coupled to the controller (110) and configured to send a purge request (122) to the controller (110), wherein: The input device (120) is one of a cockpit switch and a crew panel.

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