Air-Driven Turbine Refrigeration System for Aircraft Cabin Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft cabin air conditioning systems are inefficient and heavy, with motor-driven vapor cycle refrigeration systems requiring complex controllers and being oversized for high-altitude conditions, while also failing to effectively remove pollutants from ground air.

Innovation Solution

An air pressurization system (APS) and environmental control system (ECS) configuration using a primary heat exchanger, air-driven turbine, and vapor cycle refrigeration system (VCRS), where the APS pressurizes air to a high temperature and pressure, which is cooled through the heat exchanger and turbine to power the VCRS, reducing weight and complexity by using a turbine bypass throttle valve for control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a motor-driven vapor cycle refrigeration system is used, then cooling capability is provided, but system weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven compressor with a turbine-driven compressor. The turbine is powered by high-pressure air from the air pressurization system, eliminating the need for motor controllers and electrical power systems. This mechanical substitution reduces system complexity and weight while maintaining cooling capability through the vapor cycle refrigeration system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The high-pressure air from the air pressurization system serves multiple functions: it powers the turbine-compressor system for refrigeration, provides pressurized cabin air, and eliminates the need for separate motor controllers. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If a vapor cycle refrigeration system is sized for ground conditions, then adequate cooling is provided at ground level, but the system is oversized for high-altitude conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidadaptability to flight conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a turbine-driven compressor where the compressor speed and refrigeration capacity dynamically adjust based on the available high-pressure air from the air pressurization system. At ground conditions, the system provides full cooling capacity, while at high-altitude conditions, the system automatically scales down to match the reduced heat load, eliminating the need for oversized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters (compressor speed, refrigerant flow rate) based on the varying pressure and temperature of the incoming air from the air pressurization system. This allows the vapor cycle refrigeration system to adapt its cooling capacity to match different flight conditions without being oversized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If conventional air conditioning systems are used, then cabin air is conditioned, but pollutants from ground air are not effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair conditioningVSAvoidpollutant removal

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by heating the incoming air in the air pressurization system before it enters the vapor cycle refrigeration system. This pre-heating step, combined with the high-temperature operation of the turbine-compressor system, effectively removes pollutants from ground air through thermal decomposition and oxidation, while still providing adequate cooling for the cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration provides conditioned air efficiently under various conditions, reduces system weight, produces cleaner air by enabling pollutant removal, and simplifies operation by eliminating costly motor controllers, while utilizing a smaller VCRS and simpler compressor.

Implementation Method 1

The PHX is configured to cool the supply air using environmental air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The turbine is configured to power a vapor cycle refrigeration system (VCRS) using the supply air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbine: Turbine

Implementation Method 3

The VCRS is configured to cool the supply air to generate cabin air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor cycle refrigeration:

Data Source

PatentUS11820519B2Air-driven vapor cycle refrigeration system

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system includes an air pressurization system (APS) and an environmental control system (ECS). The APS is configured to supply pressurized supply air to the ECS. The ECS includes a primary heat exchanger (PHX), an air-driven turbine downstream of the PHX, and a vapor cycle refrigeration system (VCRS) downstream of the PHX. The PHX is configured to cool the supply air using environmental air. The turbine is configured to power a vapor cycle refrigeration system (VCRS) using the supply air. The VCRS is configured to cool the supply air to generate cabin air.