Aircraft Humidification System Partial Air Stream Redistribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft humidification systems face challenges in compact design, energy efficiency, and integration into existing environmental control systems (ECS) of aircraft, particularly due to limited space and high pressure requirements.

Innovation Solution

A compact and energy-efficient humidification system for aircraft that uses a single humidifier in a partial air stream, over-humidifies this stream, and redistributes it to other air streams, while balancing humidity by incorporating dry and warm air from other streams, all within the constraints of existing ECS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single humidifier with high capacity is installed in the ventilation system prior to air stream division, then the humidification capacity is sufficient for the entire cabin, but the device occupies too much space and cannot be installed in existing aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidification capacityVSAvoidhumidifier size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the ventilation system into multiple partial air streams, each served by a separate smaller humidifier. Instead of one large humidifier handling all air, multiple small humidifiers are distributed in different ducts, segmenting the humidification function across several locations and reducing the volume of each individual device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a centralized humidification approach (single large device) to a distributed approach (multiple small devices in different spatial locations). By utilizing multiple ducts and air streams as separate dimensions, the system achieves the required total humidification capacity while each individual humidifier remains compact enough for existing aircraft installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple separate humidifiers are installed in each partial air stream, then the space requirement for each device is reduced, but the system complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidifier sizeVSAvoidnumber of humidifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each humidifier is designed to serve its specific local air stream and duct configuration. The humidifiers are not identical generic units but are tailored to their respective locations and flow requirements, optimizing performance for each local condition while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If air is led through a small humidifier prior to distribution, then the device fits in limited space, but the pressure drop becomes too high and the ventilation system operates outside acceptable boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidifier sizeVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The total air flow is segmented into multiple partial streams, each passing through a separate humidifier. This segmentation reduces the pressure drop across each individual humidifier because each device handles only a portion of the total flow rather than the entire air stream, keeping pressure losses within acceptable limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each humidifier applies humidification to only its designated partial air stream rather than attempting to humidify the entire air flow. This partial action approach allows smaller devices to operate efficiently within their local flow conditions without creating excessive pressure drops that would occur if they tried to handle the full air stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

The system effectively humidifies aircraft cabins without significant pressure loss or energy consumption, maintaining air quality and operational efficiency within the technical boundaries of existing ECS.

Implementation Method 1

a second duct (10') configured to guide a second air stream, said second duct comprising a humidifier (28') for humidifying the air in the second duct (10')

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumidification: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12330795B2Humidification system for aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 CTT SYST AB

AI summary

An aircraft humidification system includes a first duct configured to guide a first air stream, and a second duct configured to guide a second air stream, the second duct including a humidifier for humidifying the air stream in the second duct. The humidification system further includes a first conduit for directing part of the second air stream to the first duct. The first conduit includes a first conduit inlet leading into the first duct and a first conduit outlet extending from the second duct. A second conduit directs part of the first air stream to the second duct, the second conduit including a second conduit inlet leading into the second duct and a second conduit outlet extending from the first duct. The first conduit outlet is arranged downstream of the humidifier, the second conduit inlet is arranged downstream of the first conduit outlet, and the first conduit inlet is arranged downstream of the second conduit outlet.