Self-Sufficient Aircraft Monument with Decentralized Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing energy distribution systems in aircraft cabins are inflexible and inefficient, requiring complex, centrally structured networks that limit the placement and operation of monuments like galleys and rest areas due to high cable weight and installation effort, and result in suboptimal energy conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient monument with decentralized storage of operating materials, such as methanol and liquid air, enabling direct energy conversion processes for heating, cooling, and lighting, and using hybrid energy converters to optimize energy use and minimize losses, allowing for flexible installation and operation without central supply networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a centrally structured distribution network is used for energy supply, then energy can be distributed with almost no loss and easily converted into other forms, but the system requires high cable weight and complex installation effort
Solution Approach 1:
The monument is divided into functionally independent modules (galley module, rest compartment module, toilet module) that can be supplied with energy and operating materials independently. Each module contains its own converters for converting operating materials into required energy forms, eliminating the need for extensive centralized cable networks while maintaining efficient energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
Operating material storage units serve as intermediaries between the external environment and the monument functions. These storages contain fuel cells, combustion devices, and other converters that transform operating materials (fuel, air, water) directly into needed energy forms within each module, replacing the need for heavy electrical cable infrastructure.
2Reliability
If supply lines and connections are planned for monument installation, then operating materials can be supplied to the monument, but the flexibility in placement is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The monument system is segmented into independent modules with self-contained operating material storages and energy converters. This modular design allows each module to be placed flexibly without requiring pre-planned supply lines, as each module carries its own operating materials and conversion devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Each monument module is self-sufficient with integrated operating material storages and energy converters. The modules can independently convert operating materials into required energy forms without external supply infrastructure, enabling flexible placement throughout the aircraft cabin while maintaining reliable operation.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If classic energy consumption analysis is used, then energy usage can be tracked, but the system cannot be optimized for minimal operating material consumption and optimal energy conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from tracking only energy consumption to optimizing based on exergy analysis, which considers the quality and convertibility of different energy forms. This parameter change enables optimization of operating material consumption by selecting the most efficient conversion pathways for each specific application (combustion for heat, fuel cells for electricity).
Solution Approach 2:
Different energy conversion processes are applied locally based on the specific needs of each monument module. Combustion devices are used where thermal energy is needed, fuel cells where electrical energy is required, and heat exchangers where thermal energy transfer is needed. This localized optimization minimizes overall operating material consumption by matching conversion processes to actual demands.
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 approach achieves high overall efficiency in energy conversion, reduces material consumption, and enhances flexibility in monument placement, improving the energy balance within the aircraft system by optimizing exergo-economic and exergo-ecological aspects of energy use.
Implementation Method 1
The supply system includes a fuel cell and is configured to supply the meal preparation unit with water produced by the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
a combustion device, in particular a catalytically operated combustion device, for converting the operating material into heat
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger for transferring heat between two fluids
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerator, in particular a compression refrigerator, for converting electrical energy into a cooling effect
Implementation Method 5
a heating element for converting electrical energy into heat
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 1b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-sufficient monument in an aircraft pressure cabin which is supplied with required operating resources in a decentralized manner such that said resources are entrained in operating resource stores in the monument. The invention additionally relates to a method for efficient energy conversion within said self-sufficient monument. The efficiency is achieved in that the energy conversion is optimized based on the operating resources in respect of exergoeconomic and/or exergoecological aspects and that, in the case of a plurality of energy conversion processes, said processes are coordinated to each other. In connection with the known methods for achieving greater flexibility in the monument installation, which can be improved, for example, through greater mechanical flexibility in fastening or data connection via radio, the invention achieves a monument which is completely self-sufficient in respect of operating resource supply, and is consequently more easily placed and simple to install and remove, and which supplies and maintains itself through exergoeconomically and/or exergoecologically optimized energy conversion processes.