Aircraft chilling system architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft galley refrigeration systems occupy excessive space due to the need for a heat exchanger and ducting located at the rear of the galley, which increases the depth of the galley compartments beyond the size of the galley carts they serve, thus inefficiently utilizing available space and weight in aircraft.
Innovation Solution
The chiller/heat exchanger is relocated to a side or above compartment space, with blower and return ducts extending from these locations to supply and return cooled air, allowing for a more compact galley design by utilizing otherwise unused space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat exchanger and ducting are located at the back of the galley compartments, then the refrigeration system can effectively cool the galley carts, but the galley depth must be increased beyond the cart depth to accommodate the equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is relocated from the rear horizontal space to the lateral/vertical space at the side and/or above the galley compartments. This dimensional shift allows the cooling equipment to be positioned in previously unused three-dimensional space, maintaining cooling effectiveness while reducing the depth requirement of the galley compartments to match cart depth only.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger and ducting system is integrated into the side wall structure and overhead space of the galley compartment, nesting the refrigeration components within the existing galley envelope rather than requiring additional external depth. The ducting is routed through the side wall and overhead structures to deliver cooled air to the cart storage areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If the galley is made deeper to accommodate the refrigeration system, then the cooling equipment can be properly installed, but available space and weight in the aircraft are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the heat exchanger in the lateral and vertical dimensions rather than consuming horizontal depth, the design preserves valuable galley space for cart storage and crew operations while still providing adequate installation space for the refrigeration system in the underutilized side and overhead volumes.
3Length of stationary object
If the heat exchanger is relocated to side or above compartment space, then the galley depth is minimized to match cart depth, but the ducting must extend from non-traditional locations
Solution Approach 1:
The ducting system is integrated with the side wall and overhead structures, nesting the air delivery and return pathways within the existing galley framework. This approach minimizes the need for separate, complex external ductwork while achieving the goal of reduced galley depth.
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 minimizes the galley's depth to match the galley carts, optimizing space usage and allowing for increased storage or passenger comfort without expanding the galley dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to be located in use in a space adjacent a side wall of a compartment external to the compartment
Implementation Method 2
the blower duct arranged to extend adjacent the top wall or the floor of the compartment, the blower duct having vents to blow chilled air into the compartment
Implementation Method 3
a return duct arranged adjacent the other of the floor or the top wall of the compartment to suck air from the compartment and return it to the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A chiller assembly for a galley having one or more rectangular galley compartments defined by a back wall, a floor, a top wall and two opposing side walls, the chiller assembly comprising a chiller system comprising a heat exchanger configured to be located in use in a space adjacent a side wall of a compartment external to the compartment, and a blower duct connected to receive chilled air from the heat exchanger, the blower duct arranged to extend adjacent the top wall or the floor of the compartment, the blower duct having vents to blow chilled air into the compartment via the top wall or the floor, the chiller system further comprising a return duct arranged adjacent the other of the floor or the top wall of the compartment to suck air from the compartment and return it to the heat exchanger.