Air purifying device

Abstract

An air purification device can ensure ozone conversion efficiency while avoiding engine bleed air failure caused by the rupture of the inner core of an ozone converter. The air purification device is installed between the air source bleed air pipeline and the inlet pipeline of the air conditioning assembly of an aircraft. The air purification device includes: a first pipeline and a second pipeline arranged in parallel, one end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline is connected with the air source bleed air pipeline, the other end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline is connected with the inlet pipeline of the air conditioning assembly; an ozone converter arranged in the first pipeline for converting ozone in the bleed air; a filter arranged in the second pipeline for filtering pollutants in the bleed air; a three-way valve connected between one end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline and the air source bleed air pipeline, and configured to switch according to the external environment of the aircraft to make the air source bleed air pipeline communicate with the first pipeline or make the air source bleed air pipeline communicate with the second pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air purification, and more specifically, to an air purification device. Background Technology

[0002] Air quality inside an aircraft cabin has a significant impact on the health and comfort of crew members and passengers. When an aircraft flies at high altitudes, it is exposed to high concentrations of ozone.

[0003] Therefore, in existing models, an ozone converter is installed upstream of the air conditioning components to convert ozone through catalysis.

[0004] On the one hand, the performance of ozone converters degrades over time. To ensure that cabin ozone concentration meets airworthiness requirements, ozone converters need to be replaced or refurbished before their performance deteriorates. However, current aircraft models do not have ozone converter performance monitoring mechanisms, which may lead to premature replacement or refurbishment of such ozone converters, resulting in unnecessary maintenance costs.

[0005] On the other hand, when aircraft are flying at low altitudes, or parked or operating on airport runways, air pollutants such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds are mainly distributed within about 30 meters of the ground. Therefore, these air pollutants can enter the cabin with the bleed air. In particular, during landing and gliding, exhaust gases from the jet engines of surrounding aircraft, exhaust gases from aircraft maintenance vehicles, de-icing fluid, engine oil, and hydraulic fluid may also leak into the air conditioning system. For example, when aircraft operate in conditions with abundant poplar and willow catkins, the catkins accumulate at the inlet of the ozone converter core, reducing the amount of air flowing through the core, increasing the load on the core, potentially causing it to rupture, and thus leading to engine bleed air failure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] This application was developed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an air purification device that can ensure ozone conversion efficiency while avoiding engine bleed air failure caused by the rupture of the inner core of the ozone converter.

[0008] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0009] One technical solution of this application provides an air purification device, which is installed between the air source duct of an aircraft and the inlet duct of an air conditioning component, wherein the air purification device includes:

[0010] A first pipeline and a second pipeline are connected in parallel. One end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are connected to the gas source intake pipeline, and the other end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are connected to the inlet pipeline of the air conditioning unit.

[0011] An ozone converter is provided in the first pipeline and is used to convert ozone in the priming air.

[0012] A filter, disposed in the second conduit, is used to filter contaminants in the bleed air; and

[0013] A three-way valve is connected between one end of the first and second pipelines and the air source bleed pipeline, and is configured to switch according to the external environment of the aircraft to connect the air source bleed pipeline to the first pipeline or to connect the air source bleed pipeline to the second pipeline.

[0014] According to the air purification device described in this technical solution, by setting up in parallel a pipeline for external air with high ozone content and a pipeline for external air with high pollutant content, and switching the two flow paths according to the external environment of the aircraft, it is possible to prevent air with high pollutant content from flowing into the ozone converter, which could cause the inner core of the ozone converter to become blocked or even ruptured, thereby effectively preventing engine bleed air failure.

[0015] Optionally, the three-way valve is configured to: switch to connect the air source bleed line to the first line when the aircraft's flight altitude is greater than a preset altitude threshold; and switch to connect the air source bleed line to the second line when the aircraft's flight altitude is less than or equal to the altitude threshold, or when the aircraft is on the ground.

[0016] According to the air purification device described in this technical solution, since the ozone content and pollutant content usually change with the flight altitude of the aircraft in a certain pattern, the blockage of the ozone converter can be reliably avoided by switching the flow path according to the flight altitude of the aircraft.

[0017] Optionally, the first pipeline is equipped with an ozone sensor for sensing the ozone concentration before and after the ozone converter.

[0018] Optionally, the ozone sensor includes a first ozone sensor and a second ozone sensor. The first ozone sensor is installed in the first pipeline near the inlet of the ozone converter to sense the concentration of ozone before it enters the ozone converter. The second ozone sensor is installed in the first pipeline near the outlet of the ozone converter to sense the concentration of ozone after it leaves the ozone converter.

[0019] According to the air purification device described in this technical solution, by sensing the difference in ozone concentration before and after the ozone converter, the ozone conversion efficiency of the ozone converter can be determined, thereby enabling timely maintenance or replacement of the ozone converter.

[0020] Optionally, the second pipeline is equipped with a first differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference before and after the filter.

[0021] According to the air purification device described in this technical solution, the filter can be monitored for blockage by detecting abnormal pressure drop.

[0022] Optionally, the first pipeline is equipped with a second differential pressure sensor for sensing the pressure difference before and after the ozone converter.

[0023] According to the air purification device described in this technical solution, by detecting abnormal pressure drop in the ozone converter, it is possible to monitor whether the ozone converter is blocked.

[0024] Optionally, the ozone converter includes: an ozone conversion core for absorbing or adsorbing ozone and converting the ozone; and a converter housing, which is detachably connected to the first pipeline and houses the ozone conversion core.

[0025] Optionally, the ozone conversion core is configured to replace the ozone with oxygen.

[0026] Optionally, the filter includes: a filter element for absorbing or adsorbing the contaminants; and a filter housing for detachably connecting to the second pipeline and housing the filter element.

[0027] Optionally, the pollutants include at least one of volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and aerosols. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an air purification device according to one embodiment of this application, and shows one state of the air purification device.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing another state of the air purification device according to one embodiment of this application.

[0030] Symbol Explanation

[0031] S air purification device

[0032] P1 First Pipeline

[0033] P2 Second Pipeline

[0034] P3 Third Pipeline

[0035] P4 Fourth Pipeline

[0036] 1 Three-way valve

[0037] 2 actuators

[0038] 3 First Ozone Sensor

[0039] 4 Ozone Converter Housing

[0040] 5 Ozone Catalytic Core

[0041] 6. Second Ozone Sensor

[0042] 7 Differential Pressure Sensors

[0043] 8 Filter housing

[0044] 9 filter elements Detailed Implementation

[0045] Before describing the implementation methods, the terms used in this application will be explained.

[0046] The term "contaminant" as used in this application refers to substances that may accumulate at the inlet or inside the ozone catalyst core of the ozone converter described later, leading to a reduction in the amount of air flowing through the core, increased core load, and ultimately, core rupture. Contaminants include, but are not limited to, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and aerosols.

[0047] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 2 The specific structure of the air purification device according to one embodiment of this application will be described.

[0048] Figure 1 The air purification device S shown is a component of the aircraft's environmental control system. Specifically, the air purification device S is installed between the aircraft's air supply duct and the air conditioning unit's inlet duct to purify the outside air supplied from the air supply duct.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the air purification device S includes a first pipe P1, a second pipe P2, a third pipe P3, a fourth pipe P4, a three-way valve 1, an actuator 2, a first ozone sensor 3, an ozone converter housing (i.e., converter housing) 4, an ozone catalyst core 5, a second ozone sensor 6, a differential pressure sensor 7, a filter housing 8, and a filter element 9.

[0050] The third pipeline P3 is configured such that one end is connected to one end of the first pipeline P1 and one end of the second pipeline P2 via a three-way valve 1, and the other end (not shown) is in fluid communication with the gas source duct (not shown). However, it should be noted that the third pipeline P3 is not a necessary component and can be omitted. That is to say, the gas source duct can be directly connected to one end of the first pipeline P1 and one end of the second pipeline P2 via the three-way valve 1.

[0051] The fourth pipe P4 is configured such that one end connects to the other end of the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2, and the other end (not shown) connects to the inlet pipe (not shown) of the air conditioning unit. However, it should be noted that the fourth pipe P4 is not a necessary component and can be omitted. That is to say, the inlet pipe can also be directly connected to the other end of the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0052] The first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are connected in parallel between the third pipe P3 and the fourth pipe P4. As described later, the first pipe P1 is used to supply external air with high ozone content and low pollutant content, and the second pipe P2 is used to supply external air with low ozone content and high pollutant content.

[0053] The three-way valve 1 is configured with a first port 1A, a second port 1B, and a third port 1C. The first port 1A is connected to the first conduit P1, the second port 1B is connected to the second conduit P2, and the third port 1C is connected to the third conduit P3. In other words, the three-way valve 1 is configured such that one end is connected to the upstream air supply bleed line, and the other two ends are connected to the first conduit P1 and the second conduit P2, respectively. Furthermore, the three-way valve 1 switches according to the current external environment of the aircraft, either closing the second port 1B to connect the air supply bleed line to the first conduit P1 via the third conduit P3, or closing the first port 1A to connect the air supply bleed line to the second conduit P2 via the third conduit P3.

[0054] Actuator 2 is connected to three-way valve 1 to control the flow path switching of three-way valve 1. Specifically, actuator 2 is used to select whether to open or close the first port 1A or the second port 1B according to the current external environment of the aircraft.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the aircraft's flight altitude exceeds a preset altitude threshold (e.g., 27,000 feet), actuator 2 switches the flow path of three-way valve 1, closing the second port 1B. This allows the upstream air supply duct to connect to the first duct P1 via the third duct P3, allowing outside air to flow sequentially into the first duct P1 through the air supply duct and the third duct P3. At this time, the aircraft's flight altitude is high, the ozone content in the outside air is high, and the pollutant content is low.

[0056] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the aircraft's flight altitude is less than or equal to the aforementioned altitude threshold, or when the aircraft is on the ground, the actuator switches the flow path of the three-way valve 1, closing the first port 1A. Thus, the upstream air source bleed line connects to the second line P2 via the third line P3, allowing outside air to flow sequentially into the second line P2 through the air source bleed line and the third line P3. At this time, the aircraft's flight altitude is low, the ozone content in the outside air is low, while the pollutant content is high.

[0057] The ozone converter housing 4 and the ozone catalyst core 5 together constitute the ozone converter described in this application. The ozone converter housing 4 is detachably installed on the first pipe P1. Its air inlet is connected to an upstream air source intake pipe via the first pipe P1 and the third pipe P3, and its exhaust port is connected to the inlet pipe of the air conditioning unit via the first pipe P1 and the fourth pipe P4. Furthermore, the ozone converter housing 4 houses the ozone catalyst core 5. The ozone catalyst core 5, housed inside the ozone converter 4, is used to convert ozone in the outside air, for example, catalytically converting ozone into oxygen. Moreover, the ozone catalyst core 5 is, for example, an integral catalyst.

[0058] When the aircraft's altitude exceeds a pre-set altitude threshold, causing the first pipe P1 to connect with the third pipe P3, outside air flows into the ozone converter via the air source bleed pipe, the third pipe P3, the three-way valve 1, and the first pipe P1. The ozone catalyst core 5 catalyzes the ozone in the outside air, converting it into oxygen. This reduces the ozone content in the bleed air. Furthermore, because the pollutant content in the outside air is low, pollutants do not easily accumulate in the ozone catalyst core, thus reducing the risk of damage.

[0059] The first ozone sensor 3 is installed in the first pipeline P1 near the inlet of the ozone converter housing 4 to sense the concentration of ozone flowing into the ozone converter. The second ozone sensor 6 is installed in the first pipeline P1 near the outlet of the ozone converter 4 to sense the concentration of ozone flowing out of the ozone converter. By comparing the concentration of ozone before and after the ozone flows into the ozone converter, the ozone conversion efficiency of the ozone converter can be determined, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the ozone converter's performance. For example, if the ozone conversion efficiency of the ozone converter is determined to be below 89% by comparing the two concentrations, it can be considered that a new ozone converter needs to be replaced or the ozone converter needs maintenance, and the ozone converter can be removed from the first pipeline P1 for replacement or maintenance.

[0060] It should be noted that the above description covers the case where the first ozone sensor 3 and the second ozone sensor 6 are installed at different locations in the first pipeline P1, but it is not limited to this. As long as the ozone conversion efficiency of the ozone converter can be determined, the number and configuration of ozone sensors can be varied.

[0061] The filter housing 8 and the filter element 9 together constitute the filter described in this application. The filter housing 8 is detachably installed on the second pipe P2. Its air inlet is connected to the upstream air source duct via the second pipe P2 and the third pipe P3, and its exhaust port is connected to the inlet pipe of the air conditioning unit via the second pipe P2 and the fourth pipe P4. Furthermore, the filter element 9 is housed inside the filter housing 8. The filter element 9, housed inside the filter housing 8, is used to absorb or adsorb pollutants in the outside air.

[0062] When the aircraft is flying at an altitude less than or equal to the aforementioned altitude threshold, or is on the ground and the second pipe P2 is connected to the third pipe P3, outside air flows into the filter via the air source duct, the third pipe P3, the three-way valve 1, and the second pipe P2. The filter element 9 absorbs or adsorbs pollutants in the outside air. This reduces the pollutant content in the duct air and improves the air quality supplied to the air conditioning components. Furthermore, since outside air with high pollutant content does not flow through the ozone converter, unnecessary accumulation of pollutants within the ozone catalyst core 5 is avoided. Moreover, since the cost of replacing the filter is lower than the cost of the ozone converter, maintenance costs are reduced by having the filter absorb the accumulation of pollutants.

[0063] A differential pressure sensor 7 is installed in the second pipeline P2. Specifically, one end of the sensor 7 is installed near the air inlet of the filter in the second pipeline P2, and the other end is installed near the exhaust port of the filter housing 8. It is used to sense the pressure difference across the filter. If, during flight, the differential pressure sensor 7 detects an abnormally high pressure difference across the filter that persists for a specified period, it sends feedback of the abnormal pressure to the aircraft controller. Upon receiving this feedback, the controller generates an alarm and simultaneously controls actuator 2. Under the controller's control, actuator 2 switches the flow path of the three-way valve 1, closing the second port 1B and opening the first port 1A, switching the connection to the third pipeline P3 from the second pipeline P2 to the first pipeline P1. Typically, an abnormally high pressure difference across the filter is caused by filter element blockage. Therefore, by switching the flow path, engine bleed air failure caused by filter rupture due to blockage can be prevented. Alternatively, a differential pressure sensor 7 may be installed in the first pipeline P1. This allows for flow path switching upon detecting an abnormally high pressure difference before and after the ozone converter, preventing engine bleed air failure caused by ozone converter rupture due to blockage.

[0064] Unlike existing technologies, the air purification device described in this embodiment features a first pipe for supplying external air with higher ozone content and a second pipe for supplying external air with higher pollutant content, connected in parallel between the air source intake pipe and the air conditioning component inlet pipe. This allows for switching the external air supply pipe based on the aircraft's flight altitude, preventing the accumulation of pollutants inside the ozone converter's catalytic core, which could lead to blockage or even rupture. Specifically, by using two parallel pipes instead of a single pipe, and considering that the ozone and pollutant content of the external air varies with the aircraft's flight altitude, the appropriate external air supply pipe is selected based on the aircraft's altitude. This allows for the selection of a suitable treatment pipe based on the actual ozone and pollutant content of the external air, thus preventing blockage or rupture of the ozone converter.

[0065] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air purification device, wherein the air purification device is installed between the air supply duct of an aircraft and the inlet duct of an air conditioning component, characterized in that, The air purification device includes: A first pipeline and a second pipeline are connected in parallel. One end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are connected to the gas source intake pipeline, and the other end of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are connected to the inlet pipeline of the air conditioning unit. An ozone converter is provided in the first pipeline for converting ozone in the priming air. A filter, disposed in the second conduit, is used to filter contaminants in the bleed air; and A three-way valve is connected at one end of the first and second pipelines to the air source bleed pipeline, and is configured to switch according to the external environment of the aircraft to connect the air source bleed pipeline to the first pipeline or to connect the air source bleed pipeline to the second pipeline. The second pipeline is equipped with a first differential pressure sensor to sense the pressure difference before and after the filter. A second differential pressure sensor is installed on the first pipeline to sense the pressure difference before and after the ozone converter. The air purification device also includes a controller, which is connected to the first differential pressure sensor, the second differential pressure sensor and the actuator of the three-way valve. The controller is used to control the actuator to switch the connection of the three-way valve from the second pipeline to the first pipeline and generate an alarm message when the pressure difference before and after the filter increases abnormally and continues for a specified time.

2. The air purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve is configured as follows: If the aircraft's flight altitude exceeds a preset altitude threshold, the system switches to connect the air source bleed line to the first line; and When the aircraft's flight altitude is less than or equal to the altitude threshold, or when the aircraft is on the ground, the system switches to connect the air source duct to the second duct.

3. The air purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipeline is equipped with an ozone sensor for sensing the ozone concentration before and after the ozone converter.

4. The air purification device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The ozone sensor includes a first ozone sensor and a second ozone sensor. The first ozone sensor is installed in the first pipeline near the inlet of the ozone converter to sense the concentration of ozone before it enters the ozone converter. The second ozone sensor is installed in the first pipeline near the outlet of the ozone converter to sense the concentration of ozone after leaving the ozone converter.

5. The air purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ozone converter includes: An ozone conversion core, wherein the ozone conversion core is used to absorb or adsorb ozone and convert the ozone; and A converter housing for removably connecting to the first conduit and for housing the ozone conversion core.

6. The air purification device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The ozone conversion core is configured to convert ozone into oxygen.

7. The air purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The filter includes: Filter element, the filter element being used to absorb or adsorb the pollutants; and A filter housing is detachably connected to the second pipeline and houses the filter element.

8. The air purification device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pollutants include at least one of volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and aerosols.

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