Air-conditioning system for passenger boarding bridge, and control system therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning and heating systems for passenger boarding bridges are inefficient in maintaining consistent temperatures within the tunnel, especially when the bridge is rotated or extended, leading to passenger discomfort and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel air-conditioning and heating apparatus with a condenser at the rotunda and an evaporator on the movable tunnel, connected by flexible coils, allowing for smooth temperature regulation and minimizing the size of the apparatus, along with an extended tunnel diffuser and a flight management server for automated operation based on flight information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a packaged air-conditioning and heating apparatus with low flow rate is installed at a fixed tunnel, then the apparatus can operate continuously, but the air cannot be evenly distributed throughout the tunnel and only cools or heats the area directly under the indoor unit
Solution Approach 1:
The air-conditioning system is divided into multiple indoor units installed at different positions along the tunnel (upper part, lower part, middle section) rather than one centralized unit. Each unit serves a specific zone, ensuring comprehensive and uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire tunnel space while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Indoor units are installed at multiple vertical levels (upper and lower parts of the tunnel) rather than only at the ceiling. This multi-level arrangement enables three-dimensional air circulation and heat distribution, solving the problem of uneven temperature distribution that occurs with single-point installation.
2Length of moving object
If the passenger boarding bridge is minimized by moving the outer tunnel to accommodate the inner tunnel, then the bridge length is reduced, but the diffuser installed inside the outer tunnel is covered and air cannot be introduced into the outer tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is designed as a movable component that can change its position and orientation according to the relative movement between the inner and outer tunnels. When the outer tunnel moves to minimize bridge length, the diffuser automatically adjusts to remain exposed and functional, ensuring continuous air introduction capability regardless of the bridge's extended or minimized state.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure is designed to be partially integrated with both the inner and outer tunnel systems. It can be positioned within the inner tunnel while still having air outlets directed toward the outer tunnel space, allowing it to function effectively even when the tunnels are closely nested during minimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable passenger boarding bridge is rotated around the rotunda, then the bridge can serve different positions, but the pipe connecting the air-conditioning apparatus at the rotunda and the duct at the inner tunnel may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pipes between the rotunda air-conditioning apparatus and the inner tunnel duct are replaced with flexible hoses or corrugated pipes that can bend and extend. This flexibility allows the pipes to accommodate the rotational movement of the bridge without experiencing stress damage, maintaining both rotation capability and pipe integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piping system is designed with dynamic characteristics, including telescopic sections and articulation points, that allow it to adapt its configuration during bridge rotation. The pipes can extend, retract, and change angle to maintain connection while the bridge moves to different positions around the rotunda.
4Length of moving object
If the inner tunnel is moved into the outer tunnel to minimize length, then the bridge is compact, but there is no sufficient space for installing an air-conditioning and heating apparatus at the upper part of the inner tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The air-conditioning system is segmented into multiple independent indoor units that can be installed at different locations: some units are mounted on the outer tunnel structure, others on the inner tunnel, and some on support beams between the two tunnels. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large installation space, allowing the system to function effectively even when the tunnels are closely nested.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-conditioning system is designed with multi-functional indoor units that can be installed in various positions (outer tunnel, inner tunnel, intermediate structures) and serve multiple purposes: cooling, heating, and air circulation. This universality allows the system to maintain full functionality regardless of the tunnel configuration or available installation space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures efficient and uniform air-conditioning and heating of the tunnel, reduces energy consumption, and allows for automatic operation based on flight schedules, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser connection pipe configured to connect the condenser with the evaporator... each of which is formed into a flexible coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A tunnel air-conditioning and heating apparatus is provided. the tunnel air-conditioning and heating apparatus may include a condenser provided at a rotunda; a compressor provided at the rotunda and connected to the condenser; an evaporator provided at a movable tunnel and connected to each of the condenser and the compressor; and a condenser connection pipe configured to connect the condenser with the evaporator and a compressor connection pipe configured to the compressor with the evaporator each of which is formed into a flexible coil.