Aircraft cabin decontamination method and system

Abstract

To provide methods for decontaminating aircraft cabins, and an indication for safe reentry to the aircraft cabins.SOLUTION: Methods and systems for decontaminating an aircraft cabin (150) are based on reducing concentrations of infectious agents inside the cabin utilizing outside air and / or filtered air. In some embodiments, the methods are practiced after a certain contamination event (e.g., a sick person present on a flight and / or as a part of periodic service (e.g., between flights). The amount of time the system is run to introduce air into the cabin (150) is specifically calculated to lower the fraction of the remaining infectious agents to a desired level or less, thereby reducing the contamination concentration in the cabin (150) from the initial concentration. The decontamination duration depends on the cabin volume and the incoming airflow rates. For example, the fraction of the remaining air is brought below 5% after 9 minutes of flowing incoming air at 20 air changes per hour.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for decontaminating an aircraft cabin. The present disclosure further relates to providing indications for safe re-entry into an aircraft cabin. [Background technology]

[0002] Contaminants can be introduced or generated in various areas, making them unsuitable for subsequent use. For example, as air and other travel becomes more popular and new destinations become available, the potential for the spread of infectious diseases increases dramatically. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Described herein are methods and systems for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the cabin is safe for re-entry. These methods and systems are based on replacing cabin air with outside air and / or filtered air. In some embodiments, the methods are performed after a specific contamination event (e.g., the presence of an ill person during a flight) and / or as part of routine (e.g., between-flight) maintenance. The amount of air introduced into the cabin is specifically calculated to reduce the residual air percentage below a certain desired level, thereby reducing the contaminant concentration within the cabin. The decontamination period depends on the cabin volume and the flow rate of introduced air. For example, the residual air percentage is less than 5% after 10 minutes of introducing air at a rate of 20 air changes per hour. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft including a system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the aircraft cabin is safe for re-entry, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the aircraft of FIG. 1 illustrating various components of a system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the aircraft cabin is safe for re-entry, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a controller of a system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the aircraft cabin is safe for re-entry, illustrating various inputs and outputs of the controller according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a method for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the aircraft cabin is safe for re-entry, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing the percentage of residual air as a function of time at two different flow rates. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart corresponding to an aircraft production and service method. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary aircraft, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts. In some embodiments, the disclosed concepts may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known process operations are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosed concepts. Furthermore, while some concepts are described in the context of specific embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure. <Introduction>

[0006] Described herein are systems and methods for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing external verification of the completion of the decontamination process (e.g., the absence of infectious agents / infectious diseases within the aircraft cabin). In some embodiments, these systems and methods rely, at least in part, on the aircraft's existing Environmental Control System (ECS), while providing new indication capabilities to various users (e.g., airlines, flight crew, maintenance personnel, ground crew).

[0007] For example, the decontamination system is activated when the aircraft cabin is unoccupied, and in some embodiments with the doors closed. A controller determines the required power of one or more air conditioning packs and one or more fans to deliver air into the cabin and sets a total intake airflow. In some embodiments, this total intake airflow is expressed in air changes per hour, where one air change per hour represents a flow rate equivalent to the aircraft volume divided by one hour. It is important to note that as intake air enters the cabin, it displaces air already present in the cabin that may contain contaminants. Initially, this displaced air is primarily the air that was originally present in the cabin before the system was activated. As decontamination progresses, the proportion of original air in the cabin decreases, and therefore the original air becomes a smaller proportion of the displaced air. This proportion is referred to as the residual air fraction. The decontamination process achieves a certain minimum level of residual air fraction by replacing the original air in the cabin. This minimum level of residual air fraction is selected based, for example, on the type of contaminant, the likelihood of contamination, and other similar factors.

[0008] The total inlet flow rate, aircraft volume, and desired level of residual air fraction are used by the controller to determine the duration of the decontamination process. In some embodiments, additional input to the controller (e.g., input from one or more biosensors located within the aircraft cabin) is used to determine the duration (e.g., extending the decontamination process if contaminants are still present at or above acceptable levels).

[0009] Once the decontamination process is complete, the controller provides an input to an external indicator (e.g., located outside the cabin) indicating that the decontamination process is complete and that it is safe to enter the cabin. It should be noted that in some cases, entering the aircraft cabin during the decontamination process could disrupt the decontamination process (e.g., by changing airflow) or pose a risk to the entrants (e.g., due to airborne contaminants). In some embodiments, the external indicator is a light located near the aircraft door.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system is manually initiated and controlled, e.g., a switch on the flight deck is used to initiate the process. In some embodiments, the system is automatically initiated and controlled, e.g., a door sensor is used to initiate the process when all doors are closed. In some embodiments, a biosensor is used to provide input to the controller (e.g., based on the level of contaminants in the cabin). Additionally, in some embodiments, the biosensor checks the freshly cleaned / purged cabin air, allowing the timer and controller to function effectively and ensure that the cabin air is thoroughly purged and cleaned. In some embodiments, the controller is used to control the speed of the ECS system fan, increasing the flow rate in the cabin and thereby reducing rotation time. To support these high flow rate approaches, the fixed speed fans in the system can be replaced with new variable speed fans. <Example of decontamination system>

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft 190 according to some embodiments, the aircraft including a system 100 for decontaminating an aircraft cabin 150 and providing an indication that the aircraft cabin 150 is safe for re-entry. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the aircraft 190 of Figure 1, illustrating various components of the system 100.

[0012] 1 and 2 , system 100 includes one or more air conditioning packs 130 configured to receive ambient air from outside aircraft 190 and supply ambient air to a cabin 150 of aircraft 190. System 100 also includes one or more filters 142 and one or more fans 140 configured to receive cabin air from cabin 150 of aircraft 190, generate filtered air by passing the cabin air through one or more filters 142, and supply the filtered air into cabin 150. In some embodiments, one or more air conditioning packs 130, one or more fans 140, and one or more filters 142 are part of an ECS of aircraft 190. In other words, one or more air conditioning packs 130, one or more fans 140, and one or more filters 142 are also used during other operations of aircraft 190, such as during flight.

[0013] The system 100 also includes a controller 110 communicatively coupled to the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140. The system 100 is configured to receive a decontamination request 122 and determine operating parameters 112 for the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 to decontaminate the aircraft cabin 150. Various types of operating parameters 112 are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the operating parameters 112 include a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140. In some embodiments, the duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 is the same as the duration for operating the one or more fans 140. Alternatively, the duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 is different from the duration for operating the one or more fans 140. For example, the duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 is longer than the duration for operating the one or more fans 140. In another example, the period of time during which one or more air conditioning packs 130 are operated is shorter than the period of time during which one or more fans 140 are operated. In some embodiments, the period of time during which one or more air conditioning packs 130 are operated and the period of time during which one or more fans 140 are operated coincident. Alternatively, the period of time during which one or more air conditioning packs 130 are operated and the period of time during which one or more fans 140 are operated are offset. For example, the process may start with only one or more air conditioning packs 130 operating, with one or more fans 140 being activated with a delay. Alternatively, the process may start with only one or more fans 140 operating, with one or more air conditioning packs 130 being activated with a delay.

[0014] In some embodiments, the duration for which the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 are operated is determined based on one or more of: (a) the cabin volume; (b) the overall ventilation rate achieved by the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140; and (c) the allowable percentage of residual air within the aircraft 190. This determination is described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In general, the larger the cabin volume, the longer the decontamination period required, and vice versa. Also, the lower the overall ventilation rate, the longer the decontamination period required, and vice versa. Also, the lower the allowable percentage of residual air, the longer the decontamination period required, and vice versa.

[0015] System 100 also includes a display 128 that is communicatively coupled to controller 110 and configured to receive completion indication 126 from controller 110 and present completion indication 126 on display 128 to indicate that the cabin is safe to re-enter. In some embodiments, completion indicator 128 is located external to aircraft 190 and is visible to persons external to aircraft 190. For example, completion indicator 128 is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet bay, or an airport gate. In some embodiments, completion indicator 128 includes or is coupled to a wireless transmitter, for example, to notify remote users and systems of the completion of the decontamination process. For example, the departure time of a flight is contingent on the completion of the decontamination process.

[0016] In some embodiments, system 100 further includes an input device 120 communicatively coupled to controller 110 and configured to transmit decontamination request 122 to controller 110. For example, input device 120 is one of a flight deck switch or an attendant panel, although other examples are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] In some examples, the system 100 further includes one or more biosensors 152 disposed within the cabin 150 of the aircraft 190. The one or more biosensors 152 are configured to determine the presence, and more specifically, the concentration, of one or more contaminants within the cabin 150. The one or more biosensors 152 are communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and configured to provide a contaminant concentration input 153 to the controller 110. In such examples, the controller 110 is configured to utilize the contaminant concentration input 153 to activate the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140. For example, the one or more biosensors 152 may detect a contaminant concentration above a certain threshold and notify the controller 110 of this event. This portion of the process may be performed at any time. In some embodiments, the one or more biosensors 152 continuously monitors the contaminants within the cabin 150. When the controller 110 receives the contamination concentration input 153 from the one or more biosensors 152, it schedules a decontamination process, which may or may not occur immediately. For example, if the cabin 150 is still occupied when a contamination event is detected, the decontamination process may be scheduled to occur at a later time, for example, when the cabin 150 is no longer occupied.

[0018] In some embodiments, the controller 110 uses the pollutant concentration input 153 to modify the operating parameters 112 of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140. For example, the controller 110 modifies the originally determined operating periods of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 based on the pollutant concentration input 153. (For example, if the pollutant concentration input 153 indicates that the pollutant concentration is decaying quickly, the operating periods are shortened; if the pollutant concentration input 153 indicates that the pollutant concentration is decaying slowly, the operating periods are lengthened.)

[0019] In some embodiments, the operating parameters 112 further include the operating power of each of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and each of the one or more fans 140. It should be noted that the overall ventilation rate is based on the ventilation rate of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the ventilation rate of each of the one or more fans 140. In some examples, the ratio of the ventilation rate of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 to the ventilation rate of each of the one or more fans 140 is 50% / 50%. In some examples, this ratio is within a range of 10% / 90% to 90% / 10%. This ratio is selected based on, for example, the condition of the one or more filters 142, external weather conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity), etc.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes one or more door sensors 154 positioned at each cabin door. The one or more door sensors 154 are configured to determine whether each cabin door is closed or open. It should be noted that the efficiency of the decontamination process varies depending on the location of the cabin door. Also, closing the doors helps control the spread of contaminants. In some embodiments, the decontamination process is initiated only when all doors are closed.

[0021] The one or more door sensors 154 are communicatively coupled to the controller 110 and configured to provide a door closed input 157 to the controller 110. The controller 110 is configured to initiate operation of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 based on the door closed input 157. For example, the controller 110 delays such operation until all cabin doors are closed. In some embodiments, the process proceeds while one or more doors remain open. Also, in some embodiments, the operating parameters 112 of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 are further determined based on the door closed input 157. For example, a higher overall ventilation rate is employed when one or more doors are open.

[0022] 3 illustrates various inputs and outputs to the controller 110. For example, the controller 110 receives (or stores) cabin volume information, which is used to determine (e.g., calculate) operating parameters 112, such as operating duration 113. In the same or another embodiment, the controller 110 receives (or stores) an overall ventilation rate, which is also used to determine operating parameters 112, such as operating duration 113. In the same or another embodiment, the controller 110 receives (or stores) a residual air threshold, which is also used to determine parameters 112, such as operating duration 113. Other examples of controller inputs include decontamination requests, contaminant concentrations, and door closure inputs. The controller uses such information to determine operating parameters 112, which are sent to one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140 as the decontamination process is performed. The controller 110 also generates a completion indication 126, which is sent to, for example, an indicator 128. <Example of decontamination method>

[0023] 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for decontaminating an aircraft cabin 150 and providing an indication that the aircraft cabin 150 is safe for re-entry, according to some embodiments. The various steps of the method 400 are performed using the system 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

[0024] The method 400 includes receiving a decontamination request 122 at the controller 110 (block 410). For example, an input device 120 transmits the decontamination request 122 to the controller 110 based on, for example, an identification of a contamination event in the aircraft cabin 150. Various examples of the identification of a contamination event are within the scope of this disclosure, such as, for example, a passenger symptom or symptom report, receipt of an external report based on a passenger manifest, or receipt of input from one or more biosensors 152. For example, the decontamination request 122 is received from an input device 120 communicatively coupled to the controller 110, where the input device 120 is one of a flight deck switch or a crew panel. In another example, the decontamination request 122 is received from one or more biosensors 152 located within the cabin 150 of the aircraft 190. More specifically, the decontamination request 122 includes a contaminant concentration input 153 that exceeds a set threshold.

[0025] The method 400 includes determining, in the controller 110, operating parameters 112 of one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140 of the aircraft 190 (block 420). The operating parameters 112 include at least a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140. Other examples of the operating parameters include an operating output (e.g., air change rate) of each of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140, an operating sequence of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140, etc. The duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140 is determined based on at least (a) the cabin volume of the aircraft 190, (b) the overall air change rate achieved by the air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140, and (c) a residual air threshold within the aircraft 190. The residual air threshold reflects the concentration of residual contaminants within the aircraft cabin.

[0026] FIG. 5 graphically illustrates the residual air fraction as a function of time at two different flow rates. Specifically, line 500 corresponds to a flow rate of 20 changes per hour, and line 510 corresponds to a flow rate of 30 changes per hour. Line 520 represents an example of a residual air fraction threshold, which in this example is set at 10%. At a flow rate of 20 changes per hour, the threshold is reached within approximately 7 minutes. At a flow rate of 30 changes per hour, the threshold is reached within approximately 4 minutes. The threshold depends on the type of contaminant and other similar parameters.

[0027] The method 400 proceeds with operating (block 430) the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 in accordance with the operating parameters, thereby decontaminating the cabin 150. In some embodiments, the operating output (e.g., ventilation rate) of each of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and each of the one or more fans 140 is varied while operating (block 430) the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140.

[0028] In some embodiments, operation of one or more air conditioning packs 130 and one or more fans 140 occurs while the aircraft 190 is on the ground. Additionally, in some embodiments, this operation occurs while the aircraft 190 is unmanned and unoccupied (decision block 426 of FIG. 4). For purposes of this disclosure, the term "occupant" is defined as a human or animal capable of carrying contaminants into the aircraft 190.

[0029] If the cabin is not unoccupied, the method 400 proceeds to evacuating occupants (block 428) from the aircraft cabin 150. In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes verifying that the cabin 150 of the aircraft 190 is unoccupied and free of occupants (block 424) before operating the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 (block 430).

[0030] The method 400 proceeds with providing a completion indication 126 on an indicator 128 (block 440) upon completion of decontamination of the cabin 150. For example, the completion indicator 128 is located on the exterior of the aircraft 190 and is visible to persons outside the aircraft 190. More specifically, the completion indicator 128 is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet bay, or an airport gate. In some embodiments, the completion indicator 128 includes or is coupled to a wireless transmitter.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes receiving (block 450) a contaminant concentration 153 within the cabin 150. The contaminant concentration 153 is received at the controller 110 from one or more biosensors 152 located within the cabin 150 of the aircraft 190. Further, the contaminant concentration 153 is received while operating (block 430) the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140. For example, the one or more biosensors 152 continuously monitor the concentration of the contaminants during the decontamination process. The method 400 continues with modifying the operating parameters 112 based on the contaminant concentration 153 within the cabin 150 (block 422).

[0032] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes receiving (460) at the controller 110 a door closed input 157 from one or more door sensors 154, the input corresponding to an open or closed position of each cabin door. In a more specific example, operation (block 430) of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 is initiated or adjusted based on the door closed input 157 (see decision block 426 of FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the operating parameters 112 of the one or more air conditioning packs 130 and the one or more fans 140 are further determined based on the door closed input 157. <Aircraft example>

[0033] In some embodiments, the methods and systems described above are used in aircraft, and more generally by the aerospace industry, and in particular, can be used during aircraft manufacturing and during aircraft service and maintenance.

[0034] Accordingly, the above-described apparatus and methods may be applied to an aircraft manufacturing and service method 900 shown in Figure 6 and to an aircraft 902 shown in Figure 7. Before production begins, the method 900 includes specification and design 904 and material procurement 906 of the aircraft 902. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 908 and system integration 910 of the aircraft 902 occurs. The aircraft 902 then undergoes certification and delivery 912 and enters service 914. While in customer service, the aircraft 902 undergoes a schedule of routine maintenance and service 916, which may include modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, the steps of method 900 are performed or implemented by an operator, such as a system integrator, a third party, and / or a customer. The system integrator may include any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors. The third party may include any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The operator may be, for example, an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, or the like.

[0036] 7, aircraft 902 produced by method 900 includes an airframe 918 having multiple systems 920 and an interior 922. Airframe 918 includes the wings of aircraft 902. Examples of systems 920 include one or more of a propulsion system 924, an electrical system 926, a hydraulic system 928, and an environmental system 930. Any number of other systems may also be included.

[0037] The apparatus and methods presented herein may be employed during any one or more stages of method 900. For example, parts or subassemblies corresponding to manufacturing process 908 may be similarly fabricated or manufactured as parts or subassemblies produced while aircraft 902 is in service. Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be used, for example, during manufacturing process 908 and system integration 910, to substantially speed up or reduce the cost of assembling aircraft 902. Similarly, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be used while aircraft 902 is in service, for example, but not limited to, during maintenance and service 916.

[0038] The present disclosure also includes embodiments according to the following notes. <Additional Notes>

[0039] Clause 1. A method (400) of decontaminating a cabin (150) of an aircraft (190) and providing an indication that said cabin (150) is safe for re-entry, comprising: receiving (410) a decontamination request (122) at the controller (110); determining (420) in the controller (110) operating parameters (112) of one or more air conditioning packs (130) and one or more fans (140) of the aircraft (190); the operating parameters (112) include at least a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and one or more fans (140); a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) is determined based at least on a cabin volume of the aircraft (190), an overall ventilation rate achieved by the air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140), and a residual air threshold within the aircraft (190); decontaminating the cabin (150) by operating (430) the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) according to the operating parameters; The method (400) provides a completion indication (126) on an indicator (128) when decontamination of the cabin (150) is complete.

[0040] Clause 2. The method (400) of Clause 1, wherein the decontamination request (122) is received from an input device (120) communicatively coupled to the control device (110), the input device (120) being one of a flight deck switch or a crew panel.

[0041] Appendix 3. The method (400) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 2, wherein the decontamination request (122) is received from one or more biosensors (152) located within a cabin (150) of the aircraft (190).

[0042] Clause 4. The method (400) of Clause 3, wherein the decontamination request (122) includes a contaminant concentration input (153) that exceeds a set threshold.

[0043] Appendix 5. The method (400) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, wherein the operating parameters (112) further include an operating output of each of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and each of the one or more fans (140).

[0044] Clause 6. The method (400) of clause 5, wherein the operating power of each of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and each of the one or more fans (140) is varied during operation of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0045] Clause 7. Further, while operating (430) the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140), the controller (110) receives (450) a contaminant concentration (153) within a cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) from one or more biosensors (152) disposed within the cabin (150); 7. The method (400) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising modifying (422) the operating parameters (112) based on the contaminant concentration (153) within the cabin (150).

[0046] Appendix 8. The method (400) of any of Appendixes 1 to 7, further comprising receiving, in the control device (110), a door closure input (157) corresponding to the open or closed position of each cabin door from one or more door sensors (154).

[0047] Clause 9. The method (400) of clause 8, wherein operating (430) the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) is initiated based on the door closure input (157).

[0048] Clause 10. The method (400) of clause 8, wherein the operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) are further determined based on the door closure input (157).

[0049] Appendix 11. The method (400) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 10, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located external to the aircraft (190) and is visible to a person outside the aircraft (190).

[0050] Appendix 12. The method (400) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 11, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located on one or more of a jet bridge, a jet bay, or an airport gate and is visible to a person outside the aircraft (190).

[0051] Clause 13. The method (400) of any of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the completion indicator (128) includes or is connected to a wireless transmitter.

[0052] Appendix 14. The method (400) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 13, wherein operating (430) at least the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) occurs while the aircraft (190) is on the ground.

[0053] Appendix 15. The method (400) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 14, wherein operating (430) at least the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) occurs when the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) is unmanned and unoccupied.

[0054] Appendix 16. The method (400) of any of Appendixes 1 to 15, further comprising verifying that the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) is unmanned and unoccupied before operating (430) the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0055] Clause 17. A system (100) for decontaminating a cabin (150) of an aircraft (190) and providing an indication that said cabin (150) is safe for re-entry, comprising: one or more air conditioning packs (130) configured to receive ambient air from outside the aircraft (190) and supply the ambient air to the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190); one or more filters (142); one or more fans (140) configured to receive cabin air from the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190), generate filtered air by passing the cabin air through the one or more filters (142), and supply the filtered air into the cabin (150); a controller (110) communicatively coupled to the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140), the controller (110) configured to receive a decontamination request (122) and determine operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) to perform the decontamination; the operating parameters (112) include durations for operating the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140); a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) is determined based on one or more of: (a) a cabin volume of the aircraft (190); (b) an overall ventilation rate achieved by the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140); and (c) an allowable percentage of residual air within the aircraft (190); The system further includes a display (128), the display (128) being communicatively connected to the control device (110) and configured to receive a completion indication (126) from the control device (110) and to present the completion indication (126) on the display to indicate that the cabin is safe for re-entry, the system (100).

[0056] Clause 18. The system (100) of Clause 17, further comprising an input device (120) communicatively coupled to the control device (110) and configured to send a decontamination request (122) to the control device (110), the input device (120) being one of a flight deck switch or a crew panel.

[0057] Clause 19. The system (100) of either clause 17 or 18, further comprising one or more biosensors (152) disposed within the cabin (150) of the aircraft (190) and communicatively connected to the controller (110), and configured to provide a contaminant concentration input (153) to the controller (110).

[0058] Clause 20. The system (100) of clause 19, wherein the controller (110) is configured to utilize the pollutant concentration input (153) to activate the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0059] Clause 21. The system (100) of clause 19, wherein the controller (110) is configured to utilize the pollutant concentration input (153) to modify the operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140).

[0060] Appendix 22. The system (100) of any one of Appendixes 17 to 21, wherein the operating parameters (112) further include an operating output of each of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and each of the one or more fans (140).

[0061] Appendix 23. The system (100) of any of Appendixes 17-22, further comprising one or more door sensors (154) disposed on each cabin door and communicatively connected to the control device (110), and configured to provide a door closed input (157) to the control device (110) corresponding to an open or closed position of each cabin door.

[0062] Appendix 24. The system (100) of Appendix 23, wherein the controller (110) is configured to initiate operation of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) based on the door closure input (157).

[0063] Clause 25. The system (100) of clause 23, wherein the operating parameters (112) of the one or more air conditioning packs (130) and the one or more fans (140) are further determined based on the door closure input (157).

[0064] Addendum 26. The system (100) of any of Addendums 17 to 25, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located external to the aircraft (190) and is visible to a person outside the aircraft (190).

[0065] Addendum 27. The system (100) of any of Addendums 17 to 26, wherein the completion indicator (128) is located at one or more of a jet bridge, a jet bay, or an airport gate and is visible to persons outside the aircraft (190).

[0066] Appendix 28. The system (100) of any one of Appendixes 17 to 27, wherein the completion indicator (128) includes or is connected to a wireless transmitter. <Conclusion>

[0067] Although the above concepts have been described in some detail for clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the above-described processes, systems, and apparatus. Accordingly, the examples described herein should be construed as illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. 1. A method of decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the cabin is safe for re-entry, comprising: receiving a decontamination request at a controller; determining, in the controller, operating parameters of one or more air conditioning packs and one or more fans for the aircraft; the operating parameters include at least a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs and one or more fans; a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans is predetermined based on at least a cabin volume of the aircraft, an overall ventilation rate achieved by the air conditioning packs and the one or more fans, and a residual air fraction within the aircraft; decontaminating the cabin by operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans in accordance with the operating parameters; providing a completion indication on a completion indicator upon completion of decontamination of the cabin; The method wherein as decontamination progresses, the proportion of original air in the cabin decreases, so that the original air in the cabin makes up a smaller proportion of the air being expelled.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the decontamination request is received from an input device communicatively coupled to the controller, the input device being one of a flight deck switch or a crew panel.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the decontamination request is received from one or more biosensors located within the cabin of the aircraft.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the decontamination request includes a contaminant concentration input that exceeds a set threshold.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating parameters further comprise an operating output of each of the one or more air conditioning packs and each of the one or more fans.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the operational output of each of the one or more air conditioning packs and each of the one or more fans is varied while operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans.

7. further comprising receiving, at the controller, a contaminant concentration in the cabin from one or more biosensors disposed in the cabin of the aircraft while operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising modifying the operating parameters based on the concentration of the pollutant in the cabin.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising receiving, at the controller, door closure inputs from one or more door sensors corresponding to the open or closed position of each cabin door.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans is initiated based on the door-closed input.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the operating parameters of the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans are further determined based on the door closure input.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the completion indicator is located external to the aircraft and is visible to a person outside the aircraft.

12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the completion indicator includes or is connected to a wireless transmitter.

13. 13. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein operating at least the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans occurs while the aircraft is on the ground, unmanned and unoccupied.

14. 1. A system for decontaminating an aircraft cabin and providing an indication that the cabin is safe for re-entry, comprising: one or more air conditioning packs configured to receive ambient air from outside the aircraft and supply the ambient air to the cabin of the aircraft; one or more filters; one or more fans configured to receive cabin air from the cabin of the aircraft, generate filtered air by passing the cabin air through the one or more filters, and supply the filtered air into the cabin; a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans, the controller configured to receive a decontamination request and determine operating parameters for the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans to perform the decontamination; the operating parameters include a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans; a duration for operating the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans is predetermined based on (a) a cabin volume of the aircraft, (b) an overall ventilation rate achieved by the one or more air conditioning packs and the one or more fans, and (c) a residual air fraction within the aircraft; the system further includes an indicator, the indicator communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to receive a completion indication from the controller and to indicate that the cabin is safe for re-entry by presenting the completion indication on the indicator; The system wherein as decontamination progresses, the proportion of original air in the cabin decreases, so that the original air in the cabin makes up a smaller proportion of the air being expelled.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising an input device communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to send a decontamination request to the controller, the input device being one of a flight deck switch or a crew panel.

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