Condenser Header Water Collector With Tortuous Droplet Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air cycle air conditioning systems for aircraft, moisture droplets carried by the cool air stream from the condenser can create a foggy or misty atmosphere or freeze into ice, reducing system efficiency and causing corrosion if not properly removed.
Innovation Solution
A water collector is integrated into the condenser header, featuring a cartridge with a tortuous path and swirl vanes to efficiently remove moisture droplets, minimizing space and weight while enhancing system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate water collector is positioned downstream of the condenser, then moisture droplets can be removed from the air stream, but the system occupies excessive space and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water collector and condenser into a single integrated unit. The water collector is positioned within the condenser housing, with the condenser core extending into the water collector chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate downstream water collection components, reducing overall system volume and weight while maintaining effective moisture removal through the integrated tortuous flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser core is nested within the water collector chamber, with the condenser tubes extending into the water collection space. This nesting arrangement allows the condenser to perform its cooling function while simultaneously utilizing the water collector space for moisture separation, achieving space-efficient dual functionality without requiring additional external components.
2Reliability
If a traditional separate water collector is used, then moisture can be concentrated and removed, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water collector and condenser into one integrated assembly, reducing the total number of separate components. The condenser housing serves dual purposes as both the condenser enclosure and the water collector chamber, eliminating the need for additional piping, brackets, and mounting hardware that would be required for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it encloses the condenser core, provides structural support, and acts as the water collection chamber. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function, while the integrated tortuous flow path maintains effective moisture separation.
3Device complexity
If moisture droplets are not removed from the air stream, then the system operates with fewer components, but fog formation and ice buildup occur reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates moisture removal functionality into the condenser assembly itself, ensuring that moisture droplets are effectively separated before air enters the aircraft cabin. This integration maintains system efficiency by preventing fog and ice formation while avoiding the addition of complex external moisture removal 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
The integrated water collector effectively removes moisture droplets, preventing fog or ice formation and improving system efficiency and component longevity by reducing ice buildup and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
the water collector concentrates the water on its walls by centrifugal means
Implementation Method 2
then gravity causes the moisture to fall out of the separator
Data Source
AI summary
A water collector is telescoped into the interior of an aircraft condenser. The condenser has a header for collecting air from the condenser and the water collector is disposed at least partially within the header.