Water supply system for aircraft section, water consuming assembly and aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a water supply system for an aircraft section, a water consuming assembly and an aircraft. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a water supply system and a water consuming assembly having a buffer tank (110) and a delivery device (120). The water supply system also includes a bypass conduit (124) fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit (116) upstream and downstream of the delivery device (120). A pressure relief valve (125) disposed in the bypass conduit (124) is configured to open when the pressure of water in the bypass conduit exceeds a threshold pressure level, and to prevent water from flowing through the bypass conduit when the pressure of water in the bypass conduit is below the threshold pressure level.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a water supply system for an aircraft section, a water consuming assembly and an aircraft. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a water supply system and a water consuming assembly having such a system, wherein a buffer tank, a discharge conduit and a delivery device can supply water to a water consuming item and are provided with a bypass conduit with a pressure relief valve, which bypass conduit bypasses the delivery device towards the buffer tank. BACKGROUND

[0002] In conventional aircraft, water is stored in a central water tank and distributed via a network of conduits towards the consuming devices. The conduits of the network are usually made of stainless steel or titanium and water is delivered through the conduits at a pressure level corresponding to the pressure level required at the consuming items, i.e. at the water consuming items.

[0003] Another water distribution system is disclosed in EP 3 385 163 A1 and comprises flexible hoses having a smaller diameter than conventional steel or titanium conduits. Water is delivered through such flexible hoses at a higher pressure to compensate for the smaller diameter. At the end of each hose, a decentralized unpressurized buffer tank is provided for storing water to be supplied to the associated water consuming device.

[0004] However, in both systems, the water network supplying water to the water consuming items still needs to be improved. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an enhanced water supply system, which in particular maintains a constant water pressure level for the water consuming items.

[0006] This object is solved by the invention as defined in the main aspect of the present application. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent aspects of the present application.

[0007] According to a first aspect for a better understanding of the present disclosure, a water supply system for an aircraft section comprises: a buffer tank configured to receive water from a water system and to store the received water in unpressurized form; a discharge conduit fluidly coupled to the buffer tank; and a delivery device connected to the discharge conduit and configured to deliver water from the buffer tank through the discharge conduit.

[0008] The water system can be any conventional water system comprising a central tank and one or more pumps. The water system can be a conventional water system operating at a pressure level corresponding to the consumer pressure level, or a high pressure water system operating at a pressure level higher than the consumer pressure level. Water from the central tank is distributed to at least one water consumer group, such as a building comprising at least one water consumer. Each water consumer group and / or building is associated with the disclosed water supply system equipped with a buffer tank.

[0009] The discharge conduit is fluidly coupled to the outlet or discharge of the buffer tank in order to receive water buffered in the buffer tank and to guide the water to the delivery device. In other words, the delivery device is installed in the discharge conduit such that the buffered water is delivered from the buffer tank through the discharge conduit. Downstream of the delivery device, the water in the discharge conduit (or any other conduit) can be pressurized by the delivery device. This pressure established by the delivery device can be set relative to the water consumer supplied with water by the delivery device. In particular, the water pressure level downstream of the delivery device can be less than the water pressure in a conventional high pressure water system.

[0010] The water supply system further comprises a bypass conduit fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit downstream of the delivery device and fluidly coupled to the buffer tank, and a pressure release valve arranged in the bypass conduit and configured to open when the pressure of the water in the bypass conduit exceeds a threshold pressure level, and to block the flow of water through the bypass conduit when the pressure of the water in the bypass conduit is below the threshold pressure level.

[0011] In other words, the bypass conduit allows to bypass the delivery device. If the water pressure is less than the threshold pressure level, the pressure release valve is closed (or in a closed position), i.e. blocks the bypass conduit. Only in case the water pressure increases and exceeds the threshold pressure level, the pressure release valve opens (or enters an open position) and clears the bypass conduit such that a fluid communication between the part of the discharge conduit downstream of the delivery device and the buffer tank is possible.

[0012] Since the water in the buffer tank is unpressurized, and since the delivery device is configured to establish a pressure in the discharge conduit downstream of the delivery device, the bypass conduit and the pressure release valve will mainly be used as a bypass from the downstream part of the discharge conduit towards the buffer tank.

[0013] Hence, the water pressure in the discharge conduit downstream of the delivery device, and in any other water network, e.g. conduit, etc., can be kept at a level corresponding to the threshold pressure level. Any change in pressure downstream of the delivery device can be compensated by the operation of the delivery device (in case of a pressure drop) or by releasing water from the discharge conduit or another water network downstream of the delivery device through the bypass conduit into the buffer tank (in case of a pressure increase).

[0014] The provision of a bypass conduit and pressure relief valve can save water. In particular, in case the water pressure increases above the threshold pressure level, when the delivery device is in operation, a method can be required to discharge the excess water so that it will be lost as potable water. If this occurs several times during a long flight, a certain amount of potable water is wasted.

[0015] Furthermore, the pipes downstream of the delivery device and the buffer tank are typically much shorter compared to the length of the pipes in a conventional water network having a central tank and a central pump delivering water at the same pressure level to all water consumers of the aircraft. This “small” water network is more prone to pressure variations, whereas in larger conventional water networks, pressure variations are more easily compensated.

[0016] Furthermore, the pressure relief valve can be a spring-loaded valve or other biased valve, which can be set to open when the water pressure acting against the spring or bias force exceeds the threshold pressure level, i.e. the set spring / bias force, merely by way of example. This includes an adjustable valve, wherein the threshold pressure level can be set. It will be understood that the pressure relief valve can also be an actuated valve, e.g. having a motorized (electric, hydraulic or pneumatic) actuator, wherein the actuator can be controlled depending on a measured pressure, such as the water pressure measured by a pressure sensor in the bypass conduit.

[0017] In a variant of implementation, the bypass conduit can be fluidly coupled to a portion of the discharge conduit upstream of the delivery device. Thus, the bypass conduit can be fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit at both end portions and thereby bypass the delivery device. Alternatively, depending on the position and routing of the discharge conduit between the buffer tank and the delivery device, the bypass conduit is fluidly coupled directly with the buffer tank.

[0018] In a variant of implementation, the water supply system can further comprise a first water level sensor configured to indicate that the water level in the buffer tank has reached a high threshold water level. The high threshold water level is smaller than the maximum liquid level of the buffer tank in case the full capacity of the buffer tank has been reached. This results in a reserve (storage volume) of the buffer tank which can be used for other purposes. For example, if the pressure relief valve opens and water bypasses the delivery device through the bypass conduit, this excess water can be released into the buffer tank even if the water level in the buffer tank is at the high threshold water level. Thus, the excess water can be sent back into the buffer tank and stored for later use instead of discharging the excess water as in conventional systems.

[0019] It will be understood that the reference to excess water in the present disclosure can be interchanged with an amount (volume) of water which, once released from the at least one water conduit, reduces the water pressure to the threshold pressure level. Thus, the reference to excess water corresponds to a reference to a pressure level which is higher than the threshold pressure level.

[0020] Alternatively, a linear water level sensor can be employed, which continuously measures the water level in the tank, i.e. the water level over the entire height of the sensor. This allows to set the high threshold water level to a certain point on the linear sensor, i.e. to a certain sensor signal, or to arrange the linear sensor in the tank directly below the high threshold water level, i.e. with its upper end at the high threshold water level.

[0021] In an implementation variant, the high threshold water level can be set depending on the number and / or type of water consuming devices, which are supplied with water from the buffer tank via the delivery device. For example, with an increasing number of water consuming devices, the likelihood of a pressure increase is greater, which can lead to excess water being released into the buffer tank via the bypass conduit (by opening the pressure release valve). Thus, the high threshold water level can be set lower in the case of a larger number of water consuming devices than in the case of a smaller number of water consuming devices. In other words, in the case of each water consuming device being installed downstream of the delivery device, the high threshold water level can be lowered by a predetermined amount, i.e. the reserve storage volume in the buffer tank is increased step by step.

[0022] The type of water consuming device also plays a role in the likelihood of a pressure increase. By way of example only, a tap or other water distributor is usually equipped with a discharge valve. If such a discharge valve is closed, the pressure in the associated water conduit increases due to the stoppage of water (release of kinetic energy), while the delivery device can still be in operation. This pressure increase can lead to excess water, which can be released into the buffer tank via the pressure release valve and the bypass conduit. In addition, another type of water consuming device can be configured to heat water, such as a hot water distributor, coffee machine, etc. During such heating, the water expands, resulting in excess water. Instead of expelling the excess water, it can be released into the buffer tank via the bypass conduit and the pressure release valve.

[0023] In an implementation variant, the water supply system can further comprise an overflow pipe configured to expel excess water from the buffer tank beyond the full capacity of the buffer tank. Thus, if the "reserve" of the buffer tank is filled with water, any additional excess water entering the buffer tank, for example via the bypass conduit and the opened pressure release valve, can be expelled in order to avoid damaging the buffer tank or any other device associated with the buffer tank.

[0024] In an implementation variant, the water supply system can further comprise a heater in the buffer tank. The heater can be configured to heat the water stored in the buffer tank to a predetermined temperature. This allows to provide hot water to any connected water consuming device, so that a separate heating element associated with the respective water consuming device can be omitted. Thus, weight can be saved, resulting in a lightweight water supply system or a lightweight building comprising such water consuming devices. For example, such a heated buffer tank can be used for a group of water consuming devices, which all require warm / hot water.

[0025] In a realization variant, the rate of supply of water into the buffer tank can be controlled. In particular, such control can comprise reducing the flow rate of the supply of water into the water tank in dependence of the heating capacity of the heater. Such control can comprise controlling the opening of the inlet valve or the time the valve is open in such a way that the maximum heating capacity of the heater (in liters per minute, for example) is greater than the maximum inflow (also in liters per minute). This ensures that the temperature of the water in the buffer tank can be maintained and that the inflowing water does not cool down the buffered water, even when warm water is discharged from the buffer tank.

[0026] It will be understood that a water supply system with a heater in a buffer tank can also be used in a conventional water supply system. In particular, water from a main (central) tank can be provided at a conventional pressure (optimized for water consumers) via a conventional aircraft water network. Thus, a conventional system can be enhanced by the disclosed heated buffer tank.

[0027] According to a second aspect for better understanding the present disclosure, a water consuming assembly comprises a water supply system of the first aspect or one or more variants of the variants thereof, at least one water consumer, and at least one water conduit connecting the delivery device with the at least one water consumer. The at least one water conduit is fluidly coupled to the bypass conduit downstream of the delivery device. For example, the at least one water conduit can comprise a downstream portion of a discharge conduit of the water supply system or can comprise a conduit connected to this downstream discharge conduit portion.

[0028] By way of example only, the at least one water conduit can comprise a plurality of water conduits forming a water network to which water is supplied from the buffer tank by the delivery device. For example, the water network can comprise one or more branches of water conduits supplying water to respective water consumers.

[0029] In any case, the water pressure in any of the water conduits is the same. Thus, if the water pressure in the at least one water conduit increases and exceeds a threshold pressure level, a pressure relief valve of the water supply system opens to which the at least one water conduit is fluidly coupled via the bypass conduit. Thus, excess water from the at least one water conduit can be released into the buffer tank.

[0030] This results in a constant pressure in the at least one water conduit and, thus, at each of the at least one water consumers. The constant pressure at each of the at least one water consumers can be maintained even if the length of the at least one water conduit is rather short (compared to the length of water conduits in conventional aircraft). By way of example only, the length of the at least one water conduit can be between a few tens of centimeters and a few meters, such as 0.3 m to 5 m, preferably 0.5 m to 3 m, while water conduits in a conventional aircraft water network can easily have a length of 30 m, 40 m or more.

[0031] In a realization variant, the at least one water consumer can comprise a heatable water consumer comprising a heating element. Thus, water can be provided from the buffer tank to the water consumer, where the water is warmed or heated. Due to the natural expansion of water when becoming warmer, there is excess water in the at least one water conduit downstream of the delivery device, i.e. the pressure in the at least one water conduit will increase. These excess waters can be released into the buffer tank via the bypass conduit and the pressure release valve.

[0032] In a realization variant, the buffer tank can be configured to receive and hold an amount of water flowing through the bypass conduit due to the thermal expansion of water at the at least one water consumer during operation of the heating element. Thus, the buffer tank is designed to have a sufficient capacity to receive the amount of water resulting from the thermal expansion. Merely as an example, a high level - at which water is filled from the water system into the buffer tank to reach this high level - can be set below a maximum water level corresponding to the full capacity of the buffer tank. Thus, a reserve volume is provided in the buffer tank, which can be set depending on the amount of expected excess water, e.g. depending on the number and / or type of water consumers.

[0033] In a realization variant, the at least one water consumer can be a heating tank comprising a heating element. Such a water consumer comprises a water tank receiving a predetermined amount of water heated by the heating element. Merely as an example, the heating tank can be used for one or more water consumers requiring hot water, such as a coffee machine, a hot water dispenser or the like.

[0034] In a realization variant, the water consumer can comprise a water mixing unit configured to receive warm water from the heating tank and cold water from a cold water conduit in the at least one water conduit to mix the warm water and the cold water to a predetermined temperature and to provide water to a faucet as one of the at least one water consumer. Thus, the heating tank can also be used for a water consumer requiring water that is warmer than the temperature provided by the heating tank but cooler than provided by the buffer tank. Such a heating tank will generate excess water due to the thermal expansion of water when the water is warmed / heated in the heating tank. Since the heating tank forms one of the water consumers, it is in fluid communication with the bypass conduit and the pressure release valve, so that the excess water can be sent back to the buffer tank.

[0035] Merely as an example, the cold water provided to the mixing unit can come from the buffer tank, another buffer tank of a different water supply system and / or from the water system (with or without pressure reducer).

[0036] In a realization variant, the water supply system can comprise a control unit configured to control the operation of the delivery device, wherein the water consuming assembly can further comprise at least one signal line configured to transmit an indication signal indicating that one or more of the at least one water consuming element is activated and / or indicating the water pressure in the at least one water conduit as measured by the pressure sensor.

[0037] In this regard, the at least one signal line is connected to the control unit and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the delivery device to maintain a constant pressure level in the at least one water conduit. In other words, the control unit can interpret the indication signal as a demand for water supply such that the delivery device is activated or its flow rate is increased (in case of a delivery device already activated or continuously operated). In case the indication signal indicates the water pressure as measured by the sensor, the control unit can operate the delivery device in a target performance manner, wherein the flow rate (operating speed) of the delivery device depends on the deviation from a set target pressure value.

[0038] According to a third aspect for better understanding of the present disclosure, an aircraft comprises one or more of the water supply systems of the at least one first aspect or variants thereof.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the aircraft comprises one or more of the water consuming assemblies of the at least one second aspect or variants thereof.

[0040] The present disclosure is not limited to the aspects and variants described in the described form and order. In particular, the description of the aspects and variants is not to be understood as a specific, limiting grouping of features. It will be understood that the disclosure also encompasses combinations of these aspects and variants. Thus, each variant or optional feature can be combined with any other aspect, variant, optional feature or even combinations thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] In the following, the present disclosure will be further described with reference to the exemplary implementations illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 schematically illustrating a water supply system;

[0043] Figure 2 schematically illustrating an exemplary water consuming assembly;

[0044] Figure 3 schematically illustrating another exemplary water consuming assembly;

[0045] Figure 4 schematically illustrating another exemplary water consuming assembly; and

[0046] Figure 5An aircraft comprising a water supply system is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced in other implementations that depart from these specific details.

[0048] Figure 1 A water supply system 100 is schematically illustrated that can be installed in an aircraft 1 Figure 5 The water supply system 100 comprises a buffer tank 110 configured to receive water from a water system 10. By way of example only, an inlet valve 15 associated with the buffer tank 110 can be provided between a pipe of the water system 10 and the buffer tank 110 in order to fill the buffer tank 110 with water (e.g. potable water) from the water system 10. As the present disclosure relates to a water supply system 100, the water pipe and the water system can be used interchangeably and are both denoted by reference numeral 10.

[0049] According to an example, the water system / pipe 10 can provide (potable) water at a higher pressure than required by any water consumer. Thus, the water system can be a high pressure water system that supplies water at a pressure of 12 to 20 bar, preferably 15 bar.

[0050] According to another example, the water system / pipe 10 can provide (potable) water at a sufficient pressure for any water consumer in the water system. By employing a buffer tank 110 of the water supply system 100, such a water supply system 10 can be improved by specifically designing the water supply system 100 to the needs and requirements of the water consumers of the water supply system 100.

[0051] The buffer tank 110 can be equipped with one or more water level sensors, such as the exemplarily illustrated low level sensor 112 and / or high level sensor 113. Similarly, a linear water level sensor can be employed that measures the water level over its entire length. When the high level sensor 113 indicates that the water level in the buffer tank 110 is below a pre-set high level, the inlet valve 15 can be opened in order to (re)fill the buffer tank 110 until the high level is reached. Figure 1The position of the high level sensor 113 corresponds to the high level as exemplarily illustrated. Optionally, when the water level in the buffer tank 110 reaches a low level which can be measured by the low level sensor 112, the inlet valve 15 can be opened to fill the buffer tank 110 with water from the water system 10 (general water system 10 of the aircraft 1). Thus, the buffer tank 110 can not always be kept full, i.e. with water reaching the high level sensor 113. It will be understood that the buffer tank 110 can be equipped with one or both of the illustrated low level sensor 112 and high level sensor 113, or a linear water level sensor (not illustrated).

[0052] As will be described in more detail below, the high level sensor 113 can indicate that a high threshold water level is reached, wherein the high threshold water level is less than the maximum level of the buffer tank 110 when the full capacity of the buffer tank has been reached. Figure 1 The dashed area and the double arrow are schematically illustrated, which represent a variable reserve volume 115 between the water level corresponding to the high threshold water level and the maximum level corresponding to the fully filled tank 110. This reserve volume 115 can be adjustable, i.e. can be set according to certain parameters, as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] In case the water level in the buffer tank 110 exceeds the maximum level, i.e. the buffer tank 110 is completely filled, the overflow pipe 190 allows water to be directed to a drain pipe 191, which can be a regular drain pipe or a waste water system of the aircraft 1. The buffer tank 110 is unpressurized, e.g. can be open to the ambient atmosphere. This can be achieved in combination with the overflow pipe 190 and / or the drain pipe 191.

[0054] The water supply system further comprises a discharge conduit 116 fluidly coupled to the buffer tank 110. Thus, the discharge conduit 116 is part of or at least forms part of an outlet of the buffer tank 110.

[0055] The delivery device 120 is connected to or incorporated into the discharge conduit 116 and is configured to deliver water from the buffer tank 110 through the discharge conduit 116. It will be understood that the delivery device 120 can also be arranged in the buffer tank 110 and still deliver water through the discharge conduit 116. A check valve 122 can optionally be provided, which is arranged in the discharge conduit 116 downstream of the delivery device 120, in order to avoid water flowing through the delivery device 120 into the buffer tank 110, for example in case the delivery device 120 is deactivated.

[0056] By way of example only, the delivery device 120 can be configured to operate with a water pressure in the discharge conduit 116 of about 1 bar to 5 bar, preferably 1.5 bar to 3 bar, and most preferably 2.0 bar to 2.2 bar, such as 2.0 bar or 2.1 bar or 2.2 bar. Thus, the water pressure downstream of the buffer tank 110 can be less than the water pressure in the conventional high-pressure water system 10. Thus, the high-pressure water system 10 can be optimized for delivering water from the central water tank 11 Figure 5 ) to the one or more buffer tanks 110, while the water supply system 100 comprising the delivery device 120 can be optimized for the water consuming appliances present in the water supply system 100. For example, the water pressure generated by the delivery device 120 can be set and / or adjusted in accordance with the optimal water pressure for the connected and / or enabled water consuming appliances.

[0057] The water supply system 100 further comprises a bypass conduit 124 fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit 116 upstream and downstream of the delivery device 120. In other words, the bypass conduit 124 can be used to bypass the delivery device 120 (and the check valve 122).

[0058] A pressure relief valve 125 is arranged in the bypass conduit 124. The pressure relief valve 125 is configured to open when the pressure of the water in the bypass conduit 124 exceeds a threshold pressure level, and to block the flow of water through the bypass conduit 124 when the pressure of the water in the bypass conduit 124 is below the threshold pressure level.

[0059] Since the buffer tank 110 is unpressurized, and the delivery device 120 builds up pressure in the discharge conduit 116, the water pressure that reaches or exceeds the threshold pressure level will be on the downstream side (relative to the delivery device 120). Thus, in case the water pressure in the discharge conduit 116 exceeds the threshold pressure level and the pressure relief valve 125 opens, water will flow back into the part of the discharge conduit 116 upstream of the delivery device 120, and thus into the buffer tank 110. It will be understood that the bypass conduit can equally be in fluid communication directly with the buffer tank 110 instead of the upstream part of the discharge conduit 116 (see Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0060] This excess water flowing back into the buffer tank 110 can be received and stored in the buffer tank 110 due to the “reserve” volume 115. Thus, the excess water is not directly drained as in conventional systems, but can be reused due to the storage in the buffer tank 110.

[0061] Figure 1 Only a short part of the water conduit forming part of a water consuming assembly 200 associated with a water network is schematically illustrated. Such a water consuming assembly 200 can comprise a plurality of water-related components, which will be discussed with respect to Figures 2 to 4An exemplary illustration is made.

[0062] Figure 2 An exemplary water consuming assembly 200 is schematically illustrated, the water consuming assembly 200 comprising a water supply system 100, such as the water supply system 100 of Figure 1 The description of the water supply system 100 will be omitted in order to avoid repetition in relation to the water supply system 100 explained in relation to Figure 1

[0063] Figure 2 The water consuming assembly 200 comprises at least one water consuming item 211, 212, 213, which are together referred to as water consuming items 210. By way of example only, such water consuming items can comprise a coffee machine 211, a water heater 212 and a faucet 213. The faucet 213 can be provided in combination with a sink 195, the sink 195 being connected to a drain 191, such as a drain 191 of an overflow pipe 190 for the water supply system 100. The present disclosure is neither limited to these types of water consuming items 210 nor to the illustrated number of water consuming items 210.

[0064] The water consuming assembly 200 further comprises at least one water conduit 201, 202, which connects the delivery device 120 of the water supply system 100 with the at least one water consuming item 211, 212, 213. In other words, the water consuming assembly 200 comprises a water network consisting of the at least one water conduit 201, 202. The water network, i.e. one of the at least one water conduit 201, 202, is fluidly coupled downstream of the delivery device 120 to the bypass conduit 124. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The water network is fluidly connected to the discharge conduit 116, the discharge conduit 116 being in fluid communication with the bypass conduit 124.

[0065] Although the faucet 213 can simply supply cold water (i.e. the temperature of the water is the temperature of the water stored in the buffer tank 110), other water consuming items can be equipped with a heater. By way of example only, the coffee machine 211 can comprise a heating element (not explicitly illustrated). Likewise, the water heater 212 comprises a heating element or heater 222 to provide a supply of hot water. Such (heatable) water consuming items 211, 212 can be galley insert items (GAINs), which can be provided in the galley of the aircraft 1 and in any desired number. Thus, depending on the configuration of the aircraft 1, the number of water consuming items 210 can vary significantly.

[0066] Figure 2 The water consuming items 210 can be conventional water consuming items. Thus, there is no need to modify the water consuming items and traditional aircraft components can still be used with the water supply system 100 and the water consuming assembly 200 of the present disclosure. ​

[0067] If the tap 213 is opened and closed, the kinetic energy of the flowing water will create a pressure increase in the water network once the kinetic energy is stopped. This pressure increase will act on or against the pressure relief valve 125. If the pressure at the pressure relief valve 125 exceeds a threshold pressure level, the pressure relief valve 125 opens and allows the excess water to flow into the buffer tank 110.

[0068] Likewise, if the water in the heatable water consuming items 211, 212 is warmed / heated, the water will expand. The excess water increases the pressure in the water network, which again leads to the excess water being fed into the buffer tank 110 through the pressure relief valve 125, instead of having an overflow pipe at each of these heatable water consuming items 211, 212 and the excess water would simply be drained at the overflow pipe. The amount of excess water due to thermal expansion can be between 3% and 5% of the amount of heated water. By way of example only, the amount of excess water per heatable water consuming item 211, 212 and per heating cycle (heating all water contained in the water consuming items 211, 212) can be between 20 mL and 180 mL, such as approximately 100 mL (depending on the total capacity of the water consuming items 211, 212).

[0069] Therefore, any excess water that can flow back into the buffer tank 110 can accumulate, depending on when water is drained from the system, e.g. when brewing coffee, discharging hot water at the water heater 212 or discharging cold water at the tap 213. Therefore, the reserve volume 115 of the buffer tank should be set to a multiple of the amount of excess water from one water consuming item 210, in particular the amount of excess water from one water consuming item 210 multiplied by the maximum number of water consuming items 210. By way of example only, the reserve volume 115 can be below 1 L, such as between 0.5 L and 0.8 L. It will be understood that the reserve volume 115 can be set to correspond to only some of the water consuming items 210, such as 50% to 80% of the water consuming items 210, in order to avoid two large reserve volumes 115.

[0070] In any case, the excess water can be stored instead of being drained, which completely reduces the amount of potable water that is needed. Therefore, a smaller amount of water can be carried in the aircraft 1, which makes the entire system lighter.

[0071] In addition, Figure 2The illustration shows vent valves 225 at some water-consuming components in water-consuming component 210. Vent valves 225 can be opened to release air from water-consuming component 210 when it is filled, and are closed once the water-consuming component 210 is filled. A small amount of air may remain in the water-consuming component 210 (e.g., to prevent water from overflowing when filling the water-consuming component 210). This air bubble can serve as a pressure reservoir in the water network of the water-consuming assembly 200. By way of example only, when the delivery device 120 is not operating, since water is not needed in water-consuming component 210, and then one of the water-consuming components 210 is activated, the air bubble can maintain a sufficiently high water pressure in the water network until the delivery device 120 is fully operational. Therefore, a substantially constant pressure can be maintained at the activated water-consuming component 210.

[0072] Figure 2 The additional diagram illustrates that the water supply system 100 may include a control unit 180 configured to control the operation of the delivery device 120. Water consumption components 200 include at least one signal line 280 configured to transmit an indication signal indicating that one or more of the at least one water consumption element 210 is activated. The control unit 180, connected to the at least one signal line 280, is then configured to control the operation of the delivery device 120 to maintain a constant pressure level in at least one water pipe 201, 202. Therefore, if the coffee machine 211 is turned on and / or the faucet 213 or hot water dispenser 212 is used (e.g., the shut-off valve of water consumption elements 212, 213 is opened), this can trigger a control signal via… Figure 2 The signal line 280, as shown by the dashed line, transmits the signal. Then, the control unit 180 can know the water demand at the corresponding water consumption device 210 and can operate the delivery device 120 accordingly, in particular to keep the pressure in the water pipes 201 and 202 at a constant level.

[0073] also, Figure 2 A drain valve 209 is also illustrated at one of at least one of the water pipes 201-204. This allows drainage of the water network of the water-consuming component 200, for example, when the aircraft 1 is shut down or for other purposes, in cases where water from any of the water pipes 201-204 must be removed. When the drain valve 209 is open, water from the pipes 201-204 can be released, for example, by gravity alone, into a drain pipe or wastewater system. Therefore, the drain valve 209 is located at the lowest point of the water network.

[0074] Figure 3 Another exemplary water-consuming component 200 is schematically illustrated, wherein similar or identical components are provided with the same Figure 1 and Figure 2The same reference signs are used in each of the figures for the same components. A description of these components will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0075] The system of Figure 2 differs from the system of Figure 3 The water supply system 100 of the system of Figure 3 comprises a heater 130 in the buffer tank 110. The heater 130 is configured to heat the water stored in the buffer tank 110 to a predetermined temperature. Thus, the heating of the water can be performed at a central location, i.e. the buffer tank 110. Therefore, the water conduit 203 is a hot water conduit. This allows to omit a corresponding heating element in each of the water consuming pieces 230, which makes the water consuming pieces 230 lighter. Merely by way of example, Figure 2 the two coffee machines 231 and the hot water tap 233 can be provided without a separate heating element, like the heating element 222 in

[0076] Furthermore, due to the larger amount of hot water provided by the heater 130 in the buffer tank 110, the number of hot water outlets can be reduced to one hot water tap 233. In particular, in a conventional kitchen, there is a certain number of water providers, like Figure 2 water heaters 212, in order to have enough hot water at the same time. The heater 130 allows to reduce the number of such water heaters 212 and to free up space in the kitchen for other GAINs. In addition, due to the provision of only one hot water tap 233, the risk of hot water splashing is reduced, as this can occur in conventional kitchens with several water heaters 212. For example, if two water heaters 212 are used at the same time and one is turned off, a splashing of hot water can have occurred at the other used water heater 212. This can be avoided by providing the heater 130 in the buffer tank 110.

[0077] Figure 3 A pressure sensor 282 in at least one of the water conduits 203 is also illustrated. The pressure sensor 282 can deliver a control signal to the control unit 180 via at least one signal line 280. This allows the control unit 180 to operate the delivery device 120 based on the measured water pressure in the at least one water conduit 203. Thus, a constant water pressure can be achieved in the water network of the water consuming assembly 200.

[0078] It will be understood that such a pressure sensor 282 and control signal can also be employed in any of the other exemplary water consuming assemblies 200 of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 4 A further exemplary water consuming assembly 200 is schematically illustrated, wherein similar or identical components are provided with the same reference signs as Figures 1 to 3The same reference signs are used in each of the Figures for the same components. A description of these components will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0080] In this exemplary water consumption assembly 200, one of the at least one water consumption item is a heating tank 240 comprising a heating element 242. Thus, the cold water conduit 202 can supply water from the buffer tank 110 into the heating tank 240 by means of the delivery device 120. In the heating tank 240, the water can be heated to a predetermined temperature value. Due to the thermal expansion of the water, an increased pressure will be generated in the water conduits 201, 202, which can be released via the pressure release valve 125 and the excess water is guided through the bypass conduit 124 into the buffer tank 110.

[0081] The heating tank 240 can comprise a high level sensor 243, which can be connected to the control unit 180 (not shown in Figure 4 for reasons of clarity). Thus, by controlling the delivery device 120 by the control unit 180, the heating tank 240 can be refilled or can remain full. On the other hand, the high level sensor 243 can likewise trigger a control signal to the control unit 180, which indicates that the connected faucet 213 has requested water.

[0082] Furthermore, a water mixing unit 250 is provided in the water consumption assembly 200 to receive warm water from the heating tank 240 and cold water from the cold water conduit 202, which is in fluid communication with the buffer tank 110 via the delivery unit 120. A faucet valve 251 can be opened in order to guide the mixed water via a mixed water conduit 205 to the conventional faucet 213. An air valve 252 can allow air in the mixing unit 250 to escape until water has reached the air valve 252, for example during filling of the mixing unit 250.

[0083] The heating tank 240 and the mixing unit 250 can together form a water supply unit 259. Such a water supply unit 259 can also have a controller (not shown) configured to transmit an indication signal to the control unit 180 via at least one signal line 280 Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). This signal can indicate, for example, that the faucet 213 is activated and / or that the heating tank 250 needs to be filled. It will be understood that the faucet 213 can also transmit such a signal (as shown in Figure 2 and 3 the Figures).

[0084] Figure 4Additionally, a further water consuming item in the form of a toilet 260 is illustrated. The toilet 260 comprises a flushing valve 261 fluidly coupled to the delivery device 120 via the water conduit 202. By opening the flushing valve 261, the toilet 260 can be flushed. Thus, the pressure in the water conduit 202 obtained by the delivery device 120 can be controlled (e.g. by Figure 4 The control unit 180, which is not illustrated in the Figure 2 and Figure 3 but which is illustrated in the

[0085] Figure 5 An aircraft 1 comprising at least one water supply system 100 and / or at least one water consuming assembly 200 is schematically illustrated. The aircraft 1 can comprise a central water tank 11 storing the main water supply. A water conduit 10 can guide water from the central water tank 11 to a buffer tank 110 of one of the at least one water supply system 100. For reasons of clarity, a water pump is not illustrated. The water pump can be a high pressure water pump and the water conduit 10 is part of a regular high pressure water system.

[0086] Figure 5 Only one aircraft section 50 with a water supply system 100 and / or a water consuming assembly 200 is illustrated. It will be understood that the aircraft 1 can comprise a plurality of aircraft sections 50, each of the plurality of aircraft sections comprising at least one water supply system 100 and / or at least one water consuming assembly 200. Thus, a plurality of water conduits 10 can be connected to the central water tank 11.

[0087] It is believed that the advantages of the technology presented herein will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes can be made in the form, constructions and arrangement of the exemplary aspects thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure or sacrificing all of its advantageous effects. Because the technology presented herein can be varied in many ways, it will be recognized that the disclosure should be limited only by the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A water supply system (100) for an aircraft section (50), comprising: A buffer tank (110) is configured to receive water from the water system (10) and store the received water in an unpressurized form; A discharge pipe (116) fluidly connected to the buffer tank (110); and A conveying device (120) is connected to the discharge pipe (116) and configured to convey water from the buffer tank (110) through the discharge pipe (116). The water supply system (100) is characterized in that it further includes: A bypass pipe (124) fluidly connected downstream of the conveying device (120) and the buffer tank (110) to the discharge pipe (116); and A pressure relief valve (125) is arranged in the bypass pipe (124) and configured to open when the pressure of the water in the bypass pipe exceeds a threshold pressure level, and to prevent water flow through the bypass pipe when the pressure of the water in the bypass pipe is below the threshold pressure level.

2. The water supply system (100) according to claim 1 further includes: A first water level sensor (113) is configured to indicate that the water level in the buffer tank (110) has reached a high threshold water level. Wherein, the high threshold water level is less than the maximum liquid level of the buffer tank (110) when the full capacity of the buffer tank (110) has been reached.

3. The water supply system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The high threshold water level is set according to the number and / or type of water-consuming components (210, 230, 240), and water is supplied from the buffer tank (110) to the water-consuming components via the conveying device (120).

4. The water supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: An overflow pipe (190) is configured to drain excess water exceeding the full capacity of the buffer tank from the buffer tank (110).

5. The water supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The buffer tank (110) contains a heater (130) configured to heat water stored in the buffer tank (110) to a predetermined temperature.

6. A water consumption component (200), comprising: The water supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; At least one water-consuming component (210, 230, 240, 260); and At least one water pipe (201-205) connects the conveying device (120) to the at least one water consumption component. The at least one water pipe (201-205) is fluidly connected to the bypass pipe (124) downstream of the conveying device (120).

7. The water consumption component (200) according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one water-consuming component includes a heatable water-consuming component (211, 212, 240), and the heatable water-consuming component (211, 212, 240) includes a heating element (222, 242).

8. The water consumption component (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The at least one water-consuming component is a heating box (240) including a heating element (242), and The water consumption component (200) further includes: A water mixing unit (250) is configured to receive warm water from the heating tank (240) and cold water from the cold water pipe (202) in the at least one water pipe, mix the warm water and the cold water to a predetermined temperature, and supply the water to a tap (213), the tap (213) being one of the at least one water consumables.

9. The water consumption component (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The water supply system (100) includes a control unit (180) configured to control the operation of the delivery device (120), and wherein the water consumption component (200) further includes: At least one signal line (280) configured to transmit an indication signal indicating that one or more of the at least one water-consuming device (210, 230, 240, 259, 260) is activated and / or indicating the water pressure in the at least one water pipe (201-205) as measured by a pressure sensor (282). The at least one signal line (280) is connected to the control unit (180), and The control unit (180) is configured to control the operation of the delivery device (120) to maintain a constant pressure level in the at least one water pipe.

10. The water consumption component (200) according to claim 7, wherein, The buffer tank (110) is configured to receive and retain a certain amount of water flowing through the bypass pipe (124) due to the thermal expansion of water at the at least one water-consuming element (211, 212, 240) during the operation of the heating elements (222, 242).

11. An aircraft (1), comprising: At least one water supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; And / or At least one water consumption component (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

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