Aircraft Supply System Decoupling Water and Oxygen Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft systems face challenges in providing independent emergency power, fire suppression, and potable water, particularly in 'total engine flame out' situations, as they are interdependent with oxygen depletion and electric power demand, and require alternatives to Halon for fire extinguishing.
Innovation Solution
A supply system comprising a catalytic converter, hydrogen and air supply means, and a control unit that independently generates oxygen depleted air and water, decoupling the demand for electric power, water, and oxygen depletion, using a catalyst to reduce process temperature and integrate with fuel cells for simultaneous power and water production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fuel cells are used to generate water and electric power, then water production is achieved, but oxygen depletion is directly coupled with electric power demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water generation function from the electric power generation function. Water is produced through a catalytic converter that combines hydrogen and oxygen without generating electricity, while electric power is generated separately through fuel cells. This segmentation allows independent control of water production and oxygen depletion, resolving the coupling problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic converter serves multiple functions: it produces water for potable water systems and simultaneously generates oxygen-depleted air for fire suppression systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems while providing independent control over water production and oxygen depletion levels.
2Reliability
If Halon fire extinguishers are used, then fire suppression is effective, but adverse effects on the ozone layer occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates oxygen-depleted air by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a catalytic converter, creating an inert atmosphere suitable for fire suppression. This inert gas displaces oxygen in cargo compartments, preventing fire propagation without using ozone-depleting substances like Halon.
3Power
If ram air turbines are used for emergency power, then sufficient power is provided, but the system becomes critical during landing phase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydrogen stored on board the aircraft as a self-contained power source that does not depend on external air flow. The hydrogen can be combusted in fuel cells or catalytic converters to generate electricity and heat independently of aircraft speed or air intake conditions, ensuring reliable power during landing and ground operations.
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 provides oxygen depleted air and water independently of electric power demand, reducing the weight and complexity of aircraft systems while enabling efficient fire suppression and emergency power generation.
Implementation Method 1
The converter comprises a catalyst, i.e. a chemical substance that increases the rate of the intended chemical reaction without being consumed. In particular, the catalyst of the catalytic converter allows to lower the process temperature
Implementation Method 2
The fuel cell is adapted for producing water and electric energy through conducting a fuel cell process under consumption of hydrogen from the at least one hydrogen supply means and oxygen
Implementation Method 3
If the remaining oxygen content in the cathode air is reduced to approximately 12%, this oxygen depleted air is usable for suppressing fire in case of a fire event on board
Data Source
AI summary
A supply system for providing at least oxygen depleted air and water in a vehicle includes a catalytic converter, at least one hydrogen supply means, at least one air supply means, at least one outlet for oxygen depleted air, and a control unit coupled with the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is couplable with the hydrogen supply means and is adapted for producing water under consumption of hydrogen from the at least one hydrogen supply means and oxygen. The catalytic converter is further couplable with the at least one air supply means for additionally producing oxygen depleted air. Further, the control unit is adapted for selectively operating the catalytic converter based on a demand of water and oxygen depleted air.