Systems and methods for regulating cabin temperature when an aircraft is on the ground.

Abstract

This invention discloses a system and method for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft while it is on the ground. The system (20) includes: a computer server (26) that receives data (24) representing the cabin temperature and includes a database (28), which, for the aircraft, contains a predetermined cycle (40) for regulating the cabin air temperature; a ground pre-treatment air unit (32) including a pre-treatment air generator (34) and a control module (36); and a user interface (30) connected to the computer server and transmitting control signals (38) to the control module; and the control module, upon receiving the control signals, controls the pre-treatment air generator according to the predetermined cycle, which is modulated based on the data. This system enables real-time control of the cabin temperature for proper disinfection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a system and method for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft when it is on the ground, thereby allowing for effective disinfection of the entire cabin. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, despite certain hygiene precautions, aircraft passengers can still become infected with the virus (especially through contact surfaces in the cabin). Therefore, the cabin is at risk of exposure to infected passengers.

[0003] To prevent the spread of the virus, routine basic disinfection was carried out on the cabin.

[0004] It is known that some viruses lose their activity if exposed to a predetermined temperature for a given duration.

[0005] To bring the aircraft cabin to a predetermined temperature and thus disinfect it, ground pre-treatment air (PCA) units are typically used.

[0006] Figure 1 An aircraft 10 is shown on the ground, with a pre-treatment air unit 12 externally connected to the aircraft 10. The pre-treatment air unit 12 includes a pre-treatment air generator 14, which is fluidly connected to the air duct of the aircraft 10 via a flexible air line 16. Figure 1 (Not shown). The pre-treated air generator 14 is configured to distribute air into the cabin according to a predetermined cycle for regulating the cabin air temperature for a given duration. The pre-treated air unit 12 can be manually controlled by a user who activates the pre-treated air generator 14 and initiates the predetermined cycle. The regulation cycle is defined by: a first stage of raising (or lowering) the temperature from an initial temperature until a predetermined temperature is reached; a second stage of maintaining the temperature at the predetermined temperature for a given duration; and a third stage of lowering (or raising) the temperature from the predetermined temperature to a final temperature corresponding to the initial temperature.

[0007] However, when using this type of pre-treated air unit 12, the cabin temperature is uneven throughout the cabin. In fact, some areas of the aircraft cabin may not reach the predetermined temperature for a given duration. This means that after a disinfection cycle, some areas of the cabin may still contain live viruses. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a solution that optimizes the disinfection of aircraft cabins.

[0009] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a system for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft when it is on the ground.

[0010] According to the present invention, the system comprises:

[0011] - Multiple sensors are arranged in multiple different areas of the cabin, each sensor being configured to acquire data representing the temperature of that area of ​​the cabin in real time.

[0012] - A computer server configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors in real time and including a database, for the aircraft, the database containing predetermined cycles for adjusting the cabin air temperature to a predetermined temperature over a given duration.

[0013] - A ground-based pre-treatment air unit, the ground-based pre-treatment air unit comprising:

[0014] • A pre-treated air generator, which generates pre-treated air in the cabin, and

[0015] • A control module, connected to the pre-treated air generator and configured to receive data from the computer server.

[0016] - User interface, which is connected to the computer server and configured to access data from the computer server and transmit control signals to the control module.

[0017] According to the present invention, the control module is configured such that upon receiving the control signal, the control module controls the pre-processed air generator in real time according to the predetermined cycle, the predetermined cycle being modulated in real time based on data from the computer server.

[0018] Advantageously, the system according to the invention allows for real-time control of the aircraft's cabin temperature during a predetermined cycle of regulating cabin air temperature. Therefore, the system allows for real-time verification of whether the cabin temperature in each area has reached a predetermined temperature for a given duration. Because the predetermined cycle corresponds to a cabin disinfection cycle, the system allows for checking whether all areas of the aircraft's cabin have correctly undergone the predetermined temperature for the predetermined duration, and thus, checking whether all areas of the aircraft's cabin have been properly disinfected.

[0019] According to the first embodiment, the user interface is a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer.

[0020] According to the second embodiment, the pre-processed air unit includes the user interface.

[0021] According to one feature, the plurality of sensors are configured to transmit the data to the computer server wirelessly. According to this feature, the computer server is configured to transmit the data to the control module wirelessly. According to this feature, the user interface is connected to the computer server via a wireless connection.

[0022] According to another feature, the control module is configured such that, upon receiving the control signal, the control module sends data related to its position to the computer server.

[0023] According to another feature, the pre-treated air unit includes a reservoir containing at least one disinfectant solution connected to the pre-treated air generator, and the pre-treated air generator is configured to generate a mixture comprising pre-treated air and the disinfectant solution.

[0024] According to another feature, the control module includes a safety device comprising a comparison submodule and a stop submodule. The comparison submodule is configured to compare the value of each data item from the computer server with a predetermined threshold, and the stop submodule is configured to stop controlling the pre-treated air generator when the value of at least one data item from the computer server is higher than the predetermined threshold.

[0025] According to another feature, the aircraft is equipped with an identifier. According to this feature, the user interface includes means for detecting the identifier and is configured such that, upon detection of the aircraft's identifier, the user interface accesses data about the identified aircraft from the computer server.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a method for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft using a regulation system when the aircraft is on the ground, the regulation system comprising: a plurality of sensors arranged in a plurality of different areas of the cabin; a computer server including a database, the database containing, for the aircraft, a predetermined cycle for regulating the cabin air temperature to a predetermined temperature over a given duration; a user interface connected to the computer server; and a ground pre-treatment air unit including a pre-treatment air generator and a control module connected to the pre-treatment air generator.

[0027] According to the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0028] - Real-time temperature data representing multiple different areas of the cabin is acquired using the multiple sensors.

[0029] - The computer server receives data from the multiple sensors in real time.

[0030] - Access data from the computer server via the user interface.

[0031] - Control signals are transmitted to the control module via the user interface, and

[0032] - Upon receiving the control signal:

[0033] • The control module receives data from the computer server in real time.

[0034] • The predetermined cycle is modulated in real time based on data from the computer server.

[0035] • The pre-treated air generator is controlled in real time according to the modulated predetermined cycle.

[0036] According to one feature, the aircraft is equipped with an identifier, and the user interface includes means for detecting the identifier. According to this feature, the method includes the following steps prior to the step of accessing the data on the computer server:

[0037] - The detection device is used to identify the aircraft by its identifier.

[0038] - The aircraft's identifier is transmitted to the control module via the user interface.

[0039] The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising a set of program code instructions that, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to implement the method according to the present invention for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft when the aircraft is on the ground. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a side view of an aircraft connected to a pre-processed air unit, illustrating an embodiment of the prior art.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a system for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft on the ground, illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figure 3 It is a graph showing the temperature change over time in the aircraft cabin, demonstrating that the regulation system of an embodiment of the present invention is connected to the aircraft.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a view of the user interface of a system for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft on the ground, illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a system for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft on the ground, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a system for regulating cabin temperature in an aircraft fleet, illustrating an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 2 A system 20 for regulating the cabin temperature of aircraft 10 is shown.

[0048] "Aircraft cabin" should be understood as the interior of an aircraft, that is, all of the following: the aircraft's cockpit, avionics cabin, and cabin containing passenger seats.

[0049] System 20 includes multiple sensors 22 disposed in the cabin of aircraft 10. The cabin is divided into multiple areas, and at least one sensor is disposed in each area. The sensors 22 are disposed in the lower part of the cabin (defined relative to the ground), that is, at the floor of the cabin, for example, under the seats; disposed in the upper part of the cabin (defined relative to the ground), that is, at the ceiling of the cabin, for example, in the baggage compartment; and disposed in the intermediate part located between the lower and upper parts, that is, at the seats.

[0050] Each sensor 22 is configured to acquire data 24 representing the cabin temperature in real time. The temperature data 24 includes, for example, the temperature itself, airflow velocity, cabin pressure, etc. When a sensor 22 acquires a measurement result, it also stores the data and the time of the measurement. Specifically, each sensor 22 is configured to acquire data 24 representing the temperature of the cabin area in which the sensor 22 is located. Therefore, the aircraft cabin is divided into multiple zones, and the sensors 22 enable the acquisition of the temperature of each of these zones. The sensors 22 are arranged in a manner that allows the acquisition of the temperature throughout the entire cabin. Therefore, the sensors 22 record any temperature differences between the multiple different zones of the cabin. In practice, and as is known, the air temperature in the upper part of the cabin is higher than the air temperature in the lower part of the cabin.

[0051] Each sensor 22 includes a transmitter (not shown in the figures) and is configured to use its transmitter to transmit acquired data 24. Data from the sensor 22 is transmitted wirelessly.

[0052] System 20 also includes a computer server 26 (also referred to as the “cloud”). The computer server 26 includes a receiver (not shown in the figures) and is configured to receive data 24 from the sensor 22 in real time via its receiver.

[0053] Computer server 26 includes database 28, which, for aircraft 10, contains predetermined cycles 40 for regulating the cabin air temperature to a predetermined temperature over a given duration. This regulation cycle corresponds to a disinfection cycle for the aircraft cabin.

[0054] Therefore, for a given aircraft 10, the database 28 includes data 24 from sensors 22 installed in the given aircraft 10, and a predetermined cycle 40 associated with the aircraft 10.

[0055] System 20 also includes a user interface 30 connected to computer server 26 via a wireless connection. User interface 30 is configured to automatically access data 24 of computer server 26 and automatically display this data to users of system 20.

[0056] Therefore, computer server 26 includes a transmitter (not shown in the figures) and is configured to transmit data 24 from sensor 22 to user interface 30 via its transmitter. User interface 30 includes a receiver (not shown in the figures) and is configured to receive data 24 from sensor 22 transmitted by computer server 26 via its receiver.

[0057] System 20 also includes a ground pre-treatment air unit 32 located outside the aircraft 10.

[0058] The term "pretreated air" should be understood as air whose temperature is controlled in order to obtain a predetermined temperature.

[0059] The pre-treatment air unit 32 includes a pre-treatment air generator 34 for generating pre-treatment air in the cabin, and a control module 36 connected to the pre-treatment air generator 34.

[0060] Therefore, the user interface 30 includes a transmitter (not shown in the figures) and is configured such that once the user interface 30 accesses the data 24 of the computer server 26, the user interface transmits control signals 38 to the control module 36.

[0061] The control module 36 includes a receiver (not shown in the figures) and is configured such that upon receiving a control signal 38, the control module receives data from the computer server 26 in real time via its receiver. The data from the computer server 26 includes data 24 from the sensor 22 and a predetermined cycle 40. The data is transmitted wirelessly from the computer server 26 to the control module 36. The control module 36 is configured to control the pre-treated air generator 34 in real time according to the predetermined cycle 40.

[0062] Based on the data 24 received from the sensor 22 by the control module 36, a predetermined cycle 40 is modulated in real time. Therefore, the control module 36 controls the pre-processed air generator 34 in real time according to the modulated predetermined cycle. Thus, the pre-processed air generator 34 generates air in the cabin of the aircraft 10 with a predetermined temperature setpoint, a predetermined pre-processed air flow rate setpoint, and a predetermined duration setpoint, in order to conform to the modulated predetermined cycle.

[0063] The control module 36 includes a transmitter (not shown in the figures) and is configured to use its transmitter to send information related to the modulated predetermined cycle 62 to the computer server 26 in real time.

[0064] The control module 36 also sends location data and instructions related to the use of the pre-processed air unit 32 to the computer server 26.

[0065] Once the modulated predetermined cycle is completed, the control module 36 stops controlling the pre-treated air generator 34, thereby stopping the pre-treated air generator 34. Then, the control module 36 sends an instruction related to the end of use of the pre-treated air unit 32 to the computer server 26.

[0066] At the end of the conditioning cycle, the cabin of the aircraft 10 is disinfected by adjusting the temperature to a predetermined temperature for a given duration.

[0067] Therefore, this system 20 is used to generate air at a predetermined temperature and for a given duration in the cabin of an aircraft, which is done automatically in order to disinfect the cabin of the aircraft.

[0068] Furthermore, because sensors 22 are arranged in multiple different areas of the cabin, and because the regulation cycle is modulated in real time via data 24 from sensors 22, system 20 enables the disinfection of all areas of the cabin, as the temperature of each area of ​​the cabin will be regulated according to a predetermined cycle. In effect, through system 20, the temperature of each area of ​​the cabin will be maintained at a predetermined temperature for a given duration.

[0069] Figure 3A predetermined cycle 40 is shown for regulating the cabin air temperature to a predetermined temperature for a given duration. The predetermined cycle 40 is defined by the following:

[0070] - The first stage B, which raises (or lowers) the temperature from the initial temperature T0 to the predetermined temperature T1 within a given duration d1;

[0071] - The second stage C maintains the predetermined temperature T1 for a given duration d;

[0072] - The third stage D, which involves decreasing (or increasing) the temperature from a predetermined temperature T1 to a final temperature corresponding to the initial temperature T0 within a given duration d2.

[0073] If the conditioning cycle needs to heat the cabin air to a predetermined temperature T1 above the initial cabin temperature T0, then stage B is the temperature-increasing stage, and stage D is the temperature-decreasing stage. Conversely, if the conditioning cycle needs to cool the cabin air to a predetermined temperature T1 below the initial cabin temperature T0, then stage B is the temperature-decreasing stage, and stage D is the temperature-increasing stage.

[0074] Phase B corresponds to the start of cabin disinfection, Phase C corresponds to cabin disinfection, and Phase D corresponds to the start of the end of cabin disinfection.

[0075] Before the scheduled cycle ( Figure 3 In stage A), the cabin temperature is equal to the initial temperature T0, and after a predetermined cycle ( Figure 3 During stage E), the cabin temperature is equal to the initial temperature T0.

[0076] The initial temperature of the cabin may differ from the initial temperature T0 defined according to a predetermined cycle. For example, the initial temperature of the cabin may be equal to the temperature Ti between the initial temperature T0 and the predetermined temperature T1 of the predetermined cycle. Data 24 received by the control module 36 from sensor 22 provides information related to the initial temperature Ti of the cabin.

[0077] In this case, the predetermined cycle 40 is modulated.

[0078] The modulated predetermined cycle is then defined by a first stage B2 that raises (or lowers) the temperature based on the initial temperature Ti up to a predetermined temperature T1 within a given duration di1; and then by a second stage C and a third stage D as defined above.

[0079] As a variant, the modulated predetermined cycle is defined by a first stage B2 that raises (or lowers) the temperature from the initial temperature Ti to the predetermined temperature T1 within a given duration di1; then by a second stage C as defined above; and finally by a third stage D2 that lowers (or raises) the predetermined temperature T1 to the final temperature corresponding to the initial temperature Ti within a given duration di2.

[0080] Therefore, upon receiving data 24 from sensor 22 and a predetermined cycle 40, control module 36 modulates the predetermined cycle 40, that is, determines the start and end points of the predetermined cycle 40 to be considered in order to adjust the cabin temperature of aircraft 10.

[0081] According to one configuration, the predetermined cycle 40 limits the predetermined temperature T1 to between 56°C and 68°C and the given duration d to between 15 minutes and 40 minutes. Therefore, the predetermined cycle is a cycle for heating the aircraft cabin. Of course, a cycle for cooling (or air handling) the aircraft cabin can also be implemented.

[0082] according to Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, the user interface 30 is an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. More specifically, the user interface 30 is an application on one of these electronic devices. Therefore, the user interface 30 is positioned at a distance from the pre-treated air unit 32. This allows for automatic control of the disinfection of the aircraft cabin.

[0083] Figure 4 An example of a user interface 30 is shown, configured to display a simplified model 46 of the aircraft cabin, showing cabin areas 48 in the upper portion 50 and lower portion 52. The user interface 30 also displays in real-time data 24 from sensors, data 56 of data 24, time 58, external temperature 54 outside the aircraft, aircraft position 60 (GPS data – short for Global Positioning System), and modulated predetermined cycles 62 received by computer server 26. Therefore, the user has real-time access to indications of the currently ongoing adjustment cycle phase.

[0084] according to Figure 5 In another embodiment shown, the pre-treatment air unit 32 includes a user interface 30. The user interface 30 is then directly integrated into the human-machine interface of the pre-treatment air unit 32. Therefore, the disinfection of the aircraft cabin can be manually controlled.

[0085] according to Figure 2The configuration shown includes a pre-treatment air generator 34 comprising a plurality of flexible air lines 42a, 42b, 42c connected to the aircraft 10, particularly to the aircraft 10's entrance / exit 44. This configuration is not limiting, and the pre-treatment air generator 34 may include one, two, or more than three flexible air lines connected to the aircraft 10.

[0086] According to one configuration, the pretreated air unit 32 includes a reservoir (not shown in the figures) containing at least one disinfectant solution. The disinfectant solution includes at least one disinfectant product, that is, a product that can be used to disinfect surfaces or environments where the disinfectant solution is dispersed, i.e., to inactivate viruses present on surfaces or in environments where the disinfectant solution is dispersed. The reservoir is connected to the air outlet of a pretreated air generator 34. The pretreated air generator 34 is configured to generate a mixture comprising pretreated air and one or more disinfectant products.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control module 36 includes a first safety device (not shown in the figures) configured to compare the value of each data item 24 transmitted from sensor 22 and by computer server 26 with a first predetermined threshold, and to stop control of the pre-treated air generator 34 when the value of at least one data item 24 is higher than the first predetermined threshold. More specifically, the first safety device includes a comparison submodule (not shown in the figures) and a stop submodule (not shown in the figures), the comparison submodule being configured to compare the value of each data item 24 transmitted from sensor 22 and by computer server 26 with the first predetermined threshold, and the stop submodule being configured to stop operation of the pre-treated air generator 34 when the value of at least one data item 24 is higher than the first predetermined threshold. The comparison submodule may take the form of a comparator, and the stop submodule may take the form of a switch or actuator. The pre-treated air generator 34 then stops generating pre-treated air in the cabin. These first safety devices are used to protect equipment in the cabin of the aircraft 10 from overheating. In fact, some cabin equipment, such as air ducts, is designed to withstand maximum temperatures of approximately 70°C. The first safety device is used to prevent this maximum temperature from being reached during the predetermined cycle.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the control module 36 includes a second safety device (not shown in the figures) configured to compare the value of each data item 24 transmitted from sensor 22 and by computer server 26 with a second predetermined threshold, and to stop the operation of the pre-treated air generator 34 when the value of at least one data item 24 is below the second predetermined threshold. More specifically, the second safety device includes a comparison submodule (not shown in the figures), such as a comparator, and a stop submodule (not shown in the figures), such as a switch or actuator, configured to compare the value of each data item 24 transmitted from sensor 22 and by computer server 26 with the second predetermined threshold, and the stop submodule is configured to stop the operation of the pre-treated air generator 34 when the value of at least one data item 24 is above the second predetermined threshold. The pre-treated air generator 34 then stops generating pre-treated air in the cabin. These second safety devices are used to protect equipment in the cabin of aircraft 10 from overcooling. In practice, some equipment in the cabin can be designed to withstand a minimum temperature below the second predetermined threshold. The second safety devices make it possible to avoid reaching this minimum temperature during a predetermined cycle.

[0089] When the regulation cycle is interrupted while the safety device is activated, information item 64 related to the interruption of the predetermined cycle is transmitted in real time to computer server 26 via control module 36. This information item 64 is then displayed on user interface 30. Therefore, the user can access information related to the interruption of the regulation cycle in real time.

[0090] according to Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, system 20 includes a safety device 66 comprising: sensors (not shown) deployed in multiple areas of the cabin and configured to acquire data in real time representing the temperature of multiple different areas of the cabin; a comparator (not shown) configured to receive data acquired by the sensors in real time and compare the values ​​of the data with predetermined thresholds in real time; and a transmitter (not shown) configured to send a stop signal 68 in real time when the value of a data item from one of the sensors exceeds the predetermined threshold. The stop signal 68 is sent in real time by the safety device 66 to a computer server 26, which in turn sends the stop signal 68 to a control module 36. Upon receiving the stop signal 68, the control module 36 stops controlling the pre-treated air generator 34, which in turn stops generating pre-treated air in the cabin. The stop signal 68 is also sent by the computer server 26 to a user interface 30, which displays the signal. The safety device 66 moves within multiple different areas of the cabin. This safety device 66 is independent of the safety devices in the control module 36, is autonomous, and allows for redundancy of safety devices, thereby preventing the risk of cabin overheating.

[0091] In one embodiment, to connect to user interface 30, the user provides a unique user identifier and password. Parameters used to access data on computer server 26 are associated with the user identifier. For example, a user may only have access to certain data in database 28 of computer server 26.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the aircraft is equipped with an identifier, such as a QR (Quick Response) code or an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag. The identifier can also be an aircraft number. The aircraft's identifier provides a unique identifier for the aircraft. The aircraft's identifier corresponds to information that provides a unique identifier for the aircraft among other aircraft.

[0093] Sensor 22 is configured to transmit data 24, along with the aircraft's identifier, to computer server 26. Computer server 26 receives the data 24 from the sensor and stores this data, along with the aircraft's identifier, in database 28.

[0094] User interface 30 includes means for detecting identifiers (not shown in the figures). These detection means may include a camera or sensor that interacts with the aircraft's identifier to identify one aircraft among multiple aircraft.

[0095] According to one configuration, detecting the aircraft's identifier involves enabling an NFC beacon on a mobile phone equipped with a user interface 30 and receiving an NFC tag from the aircraft.

[0096] According to another configuration, detecting the aircraft's identifier involves using a mobile phone equipped with a user interface 30 to read a QR code.

[0097] The user interface 30 receives the displayed aircraft location data via the aircraft's identifier (QR code or NFC beacon). Figure 4 The attached figure is labeled 60.

[0098] Once both the user and the aircraft are identified, the user interface 30 is configured to automatically access and display data about the identified aircraft from the computer server 26. The user interface 30 also displays the aircraft's identifier 70 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The identification of the aircraft enhances the security of system 20 by allowing access to data 24 from sensors that is only about the identified aircraft, only when the user has been identified.

[0099] Once both the user and the aircraft are identified, the user interface 30 is configured to transmit the aircraft's identifier 70 along with the control signal 38 to the control module 36.

[0100] The control module 36 is configured to receive only the data associated with the aircraft's identifier 70 from the computer server 26 in real time.

[0101] Figure 6 A system 120 is shown for regulating the cabin temperature of a fleet of aircraft 110a, 110b on the ground. The aircraft fleet comprises multiple aircraft of the same or different types. The type of aircraft is defined by its model, that is, the number of passengers it can accommodate and the distance it can travel in kilometers without refueling. For example, in Figure 6 In the text, aircraft 110a is of the first type, and aircraft 110b is of the second type, which is different from the first type.

[0102] Each aircraft 110a and 110b is equipped with its own unique identifier 170a and 170b.

[0103] Each aircraft 110a, 110b includes multiple sensors 122a, 122b installed in several different areas of its cabin. Sensors 122a, 122b operate in the same manner as sensor 22 previously described.

[0104] Pre-processed air units 132a and 132b external to aircraft 110a and 110b are connected to each aircraft 110a and 110b. Each pre-processed air unit 132a and 132b includes a pre-processed air generator 134a and 134b connected to control modules 136a and 136b. Each pre-processed air unit 132a and 132b operates in the same manner as the previously described pre-processed air unit 32.

[0105] Sensors 122a and 122b of each aircraft 110a and 110b are configured to acquire and transmit data 124a and 124b, along with the identifiers 170a and 170b of each aircraft, in real time to a computer server 126. A single computer server 126 receives data 124a and 124b from sensors 122a and 122b of aircraft 110a and 110b in real time.

[0106] Computer server 126 includes database 128 containing, for each aircraft 110a, 110b, predetermined cycles 140a, 140b for regulating cabin air temperature over a given duration. The predetermined cycles 140a, 140b depend on the type of aircraft 110a, 110b. Because aircraft 110a, 110b have different types, the predetermined cycle 140a for aircraft 110a differs from the predetermined cycle 140b for aircraft 110b.

[0107] Therefore, for each aircraft 110a, 110b, database 128 contains data 124a, 124b from sensors 122a, 122b and predetermined cycles 140a, 140b.

[0108] System 120 also includes a user interface 130 connected to computer server 126. User interface 130 may be unique, or system 120 may include multiple user interfaces 130. Figure 6 In this context, user interface 130 is an application used on mobile phones, tablets, or computers. Users connect to user interface 130 using their user ID and their password.

[0109] Then, the aircraft 110a, 110b for which the user wishes to regulate the cabin temperature, such as aircraft 110a, is identified. For this purpose, the identifier 170a of aircraft 110a is detected using a detection device of user interface 130, for example, by reading the QR code of aircraft 110a or by enabling the NFC beacon of aircraft 110a.

[0110] Once aircraft 110a has been identified, user interface 130 is configured to access data 124a from aircraft 110a's sensors 122a, which is stored on computer server 126. User interface 130 does not allow access to other data in database 128. Only data 124a associated with aircraft 110a's identifier 170a is allowed. User interface 130 is configured to automatically display this data 124a along with aircraft 110a's identifier 170a.

[0111] The user accesses the location of aircraft 110a via user interface 130 based on the aircraft's identifier 170a. The user also accesses location data of the pre-processed air units at the airport where aircraft 110a is parked, as well as indications related to the current usage status of these pre-processed air units, via user interface 130 and computer server 126. The location data of the pre-processed air units corresponds to the location of the last known pre-processed air units (location data sent to computer server 126 during previous use). The user can then select a pre-processed air unit and thus a control module. User interface 130 sends control signals 138a to the selected control module based on the location data of the pre-processed air units and their availability. For example, the user selects an available pre-processed air unit 132a, that is, a pre-processed air unit that is currently unused and closest to aircraft 110a.

[0112] In order to disinfect the cabin of the aircraft 110a, the user uses the user interface 130 to issue instructions for sending control signals 138a to the control module 136a.

[0113] Upon receiving control signal 138a, control module 136a receives data from computer server 126 in real time. The data from computer server 126 includes data 124a from sensor 122a and a predetermined cycle 140a. Control module 136a controls pre-processed air generator 134a in real time based on predetermined cycle 140a or based on data 124a according to a modulated predetermined cycle 162a. Therefore, pre-processed air generator 134a generates air in the cabin of aircraft 110a with a predetermined temperature setpoint, a predetermined pre-processed airflow rate setpoint, and a predetermined duration setpoint, in accordance with the modulated predetermined cycle 162a.

[0114] Once control signal 138a is sent to control module 136a, the user uses user interface 130 to identify the aircraft 110b for which the user wishes to adjust the cabin temperature. Identification of the second aircraft 110b does not interrupt the ongoing scheduled cycle for the first aircraft 110a.

[0115] Once the aircraft 110b is identified, the user interface 130 is configured to access data 124b from the aircraft 110b's sensors 122b, which is stored on the computer server 126. The user interface 130 automatically displays this data 124b along with the aircraft 110b's identifier 170b.

[0116] The user accesses the location of aircraft 110b via user interface 130, based on the aircraft's identifier 170b and the location data of pre-processed air units at the airport where aircraft 110b is parked, as well as indications related to the current usage status of these pre-processed air units. The user can then select a pre-processed air unit, and user interface 130 will send a control signal 138b to the selected pre-processed air unit via its control module, based on the pre-processed air unit's location data and availability. For example, the user selects an available pre-processed air unit 132b that is closest to aircraft 110b.

[0117] In order to disinfect the cabin of aircraft 110b, the user uses user interface 130 to issue instructions to send control signal 138b to module 136b.

[0118] Upon receiving control signal 138b, control module 136b receives data from computer server 126 in real time. Control module 136b controls pre-processed air generator 134b in real time according to a predetermined cycle 140b or based on data 124b according to a modulated predetermined cycle 162b. Therefore, pre-processed air generator 134b generates air in the cabin of aircraft 110b with predetermined temperature setpoints, predetermined pre-processed airflow rate setpoints, and predetermined duration setpoints, in accordance with the modulated predetermined cycle 162b.

[0119] For each aircraft 110a and 110b, once the predetermined cycle is completed, control modules 136a and 136b cease controlling pre-treated air generators 134a and 134b, thereby stopping the pre-treated air generators 134a and 134b. Then, the cabin of each aircraft 110a and 110b is disinfected.

[0120] Users can stop the disinfection of the aircraft at any time by sending a stop signal to the control modules 136a and 136b via the user interface 130.

[0121] Therefore, users can simultaneously and automatically adjust the cabin temperature of multiple aircraft 110a, 110b in the fleet using a single user interface 130.

[0122] In particular, the user uses a computer program product that includes a set of program code instructions, which, when executed by a processor (not shown in the figures), configures the processor to implement methods for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft on the ground, as described above.

[0123] This invention describes the use of ground support equipment (or GSE) in the form of a pre-treated air unit to regulate (heat or cool) the cabin temperature of an aircraft. Of course, the principles of this invention can also be implemented using any other ground support equipment, such as a water supply and treatment unit or a refueling unit.

Claims

1. A system (20) for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft (10) when the aircraft is on the ground, the system comprising: - Multiple sensors (22) are arranged in multiple different areas (48) of the cabin, each sensor (22) being configured to acquire data (24) representing the temperature of its area (48) in real time. - A computer server (26), configured to receive data (24) from the plurality of sensors (22) in real time, and including a database (28) for the aircraft (10), the database containing a predetermined cycle (40), wherein the predetermined cycle (40) includes: a first stage of raising or lowering the cabin temperature from an initial temperature to a predetermined temperature within a given first duration; a second stage of maintaining the cabin temperature at the predetermined temperature for a given second duration; and a third stage of lowering or raising the cabin temperature from the predetermined temperature to a final temperature corresponding to the initial temperature within a given third duration. - Ground pretreatment air unit (32), the ground pretreatment air unit comprising: • Pre-treated air generator (34), the pre-treated air generator being used to generate pre-treated air in the cabin, and • Control module (36), which is connected to the pre-processed air generator (34) and configured to receive data (24) from the computer server (26). - User interface (30), which is connected to the computer server (26) and configured to access data (24) from the computer server (26) and transmit control signals (38) to the control module (36). The control module (36) is configured such that, upon receiving the control signal (38), the control module controls the pre-processed air generator (34) in real time according to the predetermined cycle (40), the predetermined cycle (40) being modulated in real time based on data (24) from the computer server (26), wherein the control module (36) includes a safety device comprising a comparison submodule and a stop submodule, the comparison submodule being configured to compare the value of data from each sensor sent by the computer server (26) with a predetermined threshold, and the stop submodule being configured to stop controlling the pre-processed air generator (34) when the value of data from at least one sensor is higher than the predetermined threshold.

2. The system (20) according to claim 1, wherein, The user interface (30) is a portable phone, tablet computer, or computer.

3. The system (20) according to claim 1, wherein, The ground pretreatment air unit (32) includes the user interface (30).

4. The system (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control module (36) is configured such that, upon receiving the control signal (38), the control module sends data related to its position to the computer server (26).

5. The system (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The ground pre-treatment air unit (32) includes a reservoir containing at least one disinfectant solution connected to the pre-treatment air generator (34), and the pre-treatment air generator (34) is configured to generate a mixture comprising pre-treatment air and the disinfectant solution.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aircraft (10) is equipped with an identifier (70), and the user interface (30) includes means for detecting the identifier and is configured such that, when the identifier (70) of the aircraft (10) is detected, the user interface accesses data (24) of the computer server (26) about the identified aircraft.

7. A method for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft (10) using a system (20) when the aircraft is on the ground, the system comprising: Multiple sensors (22) are arranged in multiple different areas (48) of the cabin; A computer server (26) including a database (28) for the aircraft, the database containing a predetermined cycle (40), wherein the predetermined cycle (40) includes: a first stage of raising or lowering the cabin temperature from an initial temperature to a predetermined temperature within a given first duration; a second stage of maintaining the cabin temperature at the predetermined temperature for a given second duration; and a third stage of lowering or raising the cabin temperature from the predetermined temperature to a final temperature corresponding to the initial temperature within a given third duration; a user interface (30) connected to the computer server (26); and a ground pre-treatment air unit (32) including a pre-treatment air generator (34) and a control module (36) connected to the pre-treatment air generator (34), the method comprising the following steps: - Real-time data (24) representing the temperature of multiple different areas (48) of the cabin is acquired by the multiple sensors (22). - The computer server (26) receives data (24) from the multiple sensors (22) in real time. - Access data (24) from the computer server (26) via the user interface (30). - The control signal (38) is transmitted to the control module (36) via the user interface (30), and - Upon receiving the control signal (38): • The control module (36) receives data (24) from the computer server (26) in real time. • The predetermined cycle (40) is modulated in real time based on data (24) from the computer server (26). • The pre-treated air generator (34) is controlled in real time according to the modulated predetermined cycle (62). • The value of the data (24) of each sensor sent by the computer server (26) is compared with a predetermined threshold, and when the value of the data (24) of at least one sensor is higher than the predetermined threshold, control of the pre-processed air generator (34) is stopped.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the aircraft (10) is equipped with an identifier (70), and the user interface (30) includes means for detecting the identifier, wherein, Prior to the step of accessing the data (24) of the computer server (26), the method includes the following steps: -The device is used to identify the aircraft (10) by means of its identifier (70). - The identifier (70) of the aircraft (10) is transmitted to the control module (36) via the user interface (30).

9. A computer program product comprising a set of program code instructions that, when executed by a processor, configure the processor to implement a method for regulating the cabin temperature of an aircraft (10) according to any one of claims 7 and 8.

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