Aircraft Environmental Control With Motor-Generator Compressor Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional environmental control systems in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face inefficiencies due to the use of high pressure bleed air from the engine, which increases drag and fuel consumption, especially when multiple bleed air consumers operate concurrently.
Innovation Solution
An environmental control system (ECS) that includes a turbine mechanically coupled to a motor-generator and a compressor, with a controller to selectively use high or low pressure bleed air, and a motor-generator that operates in motor or generator mode to assist the compressor, optimizing energy use based on demand and operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high pressure bleed air is used to power the air cycle machine, then the compressor can be driven effectively, but engine drag and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high pressure and low pressure bleed air sources based on operational conditions. The controller monitors engine drag, fuel consumption, and cooling demand to determine when to use high pressure bleed air (when cooling demand is high) versus when to use low pressure bleed air (when cooling demand is low), optimizing the balance between compressor power and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the bleed air supplied to the air cycle machine. By switching between high pressure and low pressure sources, the system adapts the pneumatic energy input to match the actual cooling requirements, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate compressor operation
2Quantity of substance
If high pressure bleed air is used, then adequate air flow can be drawn through the turbine, but this causes increased engine drag
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bleed air pressure level based on real-time cooling demands and engine operational state. When cooling demand is low, the system switches to low pressure bleed air, reducing engine drag while still providing sufficient air flow through the turbine to meet the reduced cooling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically monitors and adjusts the bleed air pressure selection based on system feedback regarding cooling demand and engine performance, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring optimal operation under varying conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bleed air consumers operate concurrently, then various system functions are maintained, but bleed air pressure and flow become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bleed air supply into multiple pressure levels (high pressure and low pressure sources) that can be selectively activated. This allows the system to distribute bleed air to multiple consumers by drawing from appropriate pressure sources, preventing any single consumer from monopolizing the limited bleed air supply
Solution Approach 2:
The air cycle machine system is designed to serve multiple functions (cooling, pressurization, air supply) and can draw from multiple bleed air sources (high and low pressure). This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios where multiple bleed air consumers are active, ensuring adequate air flow distribution
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
The system enhances engine efficiency by reducing drag and fuel consumption, while maintaining air supply, thermal control, and cabin pressurization, and can reduce the overall size and weight of the ECS components.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine may be mechanically coupled to a motor-generator and a compressor. The turbine can be configured to drive the compressor
Implementation Method 2
A motor-generator may be mechanically coupled to the turbine and the compressor. The motor-generator can operate in a motor mode to assist the turbine in driving the compressor
Implementation Method 3
The compressor can be configured to draw air into a turbine inlet, through the turbine, a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat load, the compressor, and out of a compressor outlet
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat load
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system includes a turbine (124) comprising an input port and mechanically coupled to a motor-generator and a compressor (120) and control circuitry (42) configured to determine whether a pressure of a fluid at the input port of the turbine (124) is less than or equal to than a threshold pressure (208). In response to determining that the pressure of the fluid at the input port of the turbine (124) is less than or equal to the threshold pressure (208), the control circuitry (42) is configured to cause the motor-generator to operate in motor mode (210). The motor-generator is configured to be mechanically coupled to the compressor (120), and the motor-generator is configured to provide mechanical energy to drive the compressor (120) when operating in motor mode (210).