Compressor Speed Control for Air Separation Module Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board inert gas generation systems for aircraft face inefficiencies in maintaining the non-enriched air temperature within the desired operating range, particularly when there is no airflow through the ram air duct, leading to overheating issues that require additional cooling methods like bleed air, which introduces inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to adjust the speed of the compressor system based on temperature and airflow parameters, ensuring the non-enriched air entering the air separation module remains within the desired temperature range by reducing compressor speed when undesired temperatures are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor system operates at high speed to maintain productivity, then the non-enriched air temperature exceeds the desired operating temperature range, but reducing compressor speed maintains temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system operates at variable speeds rather than a fixed high speed, allowing the system to dynamically adjust compressor rotational speed based on real-time temperature conditions and ram air availability, optimizing both temperature control and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives temperature signals from the temperature sensor and continuously adjusts compressor speed based on feedback regarding whether the non-enriched air temperature is within the desired operating range, creating a closed-loop control system
2Temperature
If bleed air is supplied to the ejector to induce airflow for cooling, then the non-enriched air temperature is controlled, but system efficiency decreases due to additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses free ram air flow from aircraft motion to cool the non-enriched air through the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming cooling mechanisms like bleed air supply during flight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful hot non-enriched air is extracted from the system and replaced with cooled air from the heat exchanger using ambient ram air, removing the need for energy-intensive active cooling systems
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 effectively maintains the non-enriched air temperature within the desired range of 175°F - 205°F (79°C - 96°C), enhancing the efficiency of nitrogen enriched air production without introducing additional cooling inefficiencies, thus improving the overall performance of the on-board inert gas generation system.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger is typically arranged in a ram air duct in fluid communication between the compressors and the air separation module to cool the non-enriched air. The non-enriched air is cooled when ram air flows through the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The compressor system is configured to rotate at a speed and provide the non-enriched air to the air separation module
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An on-board inert gas generation system is disclosed that includes an air separation module (30) that is configured to produce nitrogen enriched air from a non-enriched air. The non-enriched air to the air separation module has a desired operating temperature range. A compressor system (14) is in fluid communication with the air separation module. The compressor system is configured to rotate at a speed and provide the non-enriched air to the air separation module. A controller (42) is in communication with the compressor system and is configured to reduce the speed in response to a parameter reaching an undesired value, which would result in a non-enriched air temperature that would exceed the desired operating temperature range. The reduced speed is selected to maintain the non-enriched air temperature within the desired operating temperature range.