Condenser Mesh Grid Water Extraction Loop for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems for aircraft suffer from heavy and bulky centrifugal water separators, which induce significant head losses and manufacturing complexity, impacting fuel consumption and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A water extraction loop utilizing a three-dimensional mesh grid integrated into the condenser outlet box to capture water droplets, combined with a water recovery unit and an air return pipe, reducing bulk and head losses by eliminating the need for centrifugal systems and minimizing air deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centrifugal water separator is used to extract water from the air conditioning system, then water extraction performance is improved, but the device becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water separation function from the complex centrifugal separator system and implements it through a simple mesh grid structure integrated into the condenser outlet box. This removes the heavy propeller and associated mechanisms while retaining the essential water extraction capability through gravitational drainage enabled by the mesh grid and inclined floor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The water extraction function is merged with the condenser structure by integrating the mesh grid and drainage system directly into the condenser outlet box. This combination eliminates the need for a separate centrifugal separator unit, reducing overall system weight and bulk while maintaining water extraction performance.
2Reliability
If a centrifugal water separator is used to extract water from the air conditioning system, then water extraction performance is improved, but head losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the propeller and active centrifugal mechanisms that cause significant head losses, retaining only the essential water extraction function through passive gravitational drainage. This eliminates the energy-consuming rotating components while maintaining water separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The water extraction system operates passively using gravitational force rather than active centrifugal mechanisms. The inclined floor and mesh grid structure enable water to drain naturally without requiring energy input, thereby minimizing head losses while maintaining extraction performance.
3Reliability
If a centrifugal water separator is used to extract water from the air conditioning system, then water extraction performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex propeller mechanism, bearing assemblies, and drive systems from the water separator design. Only the essential water separation function remains, implemented through simple mesh grids and inclined surfaces that are straightforward to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs simple, inexpensive mesh grids and basic structural components rather than complex, expensive centrifugal mechanisms. These simple components are easier to manufacture and replace, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If a centrifugal water separator is used to extract water from the air conditioning system, then water extraction performance is improved, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The water extraction components (mesh grid, drainage channels, inclined floor) are integrated directly into the condenser outlet box structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separate, bulky centrifugal separator housing and reduces the overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the heavy propeller and associated mechanical components that occupy significant space in centrifugal separators. The remaining passive water extraction structure requires minimal space, dramatically reducing system bulk.
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 solution results in a lighter, less complex, and more efficient water extraction system with reduced head losses, improving the thermodynamic performance and reliability of air conditioning systems while minimizing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser (41) comprising a first air circuit, called a moist air circuit (41a), extending between a moist air inlet mouth (41a1) and a moist air outlet box (42), intended to convey a stream of moist air loaded with water vapor... and a second circuit, called a dry air circuit (41b), extending between a dry air inlet (41b1) and a dry air outlet (41b2), in thermal interaction with said moist air circuit (41a) and intended to convey a stream of air coming from a turbine of said air cycle turbine engine to allow condensation of said stream of moist air
Implementation Method 2
a three-dimensional mesh grid (45) housed in said outlet box (42) of said condenser and configured to be able to capture the water droplets from said stream of moist air condensed by said condenser
Implementation Method 3
a water recovery unit (46) opening on said outlet box (42) of said condenser and arranged under said three-dimensional mesh grid (45) in order to be able to recover, by force of gravity, the water collected by said three-dimensional mesh grid (45)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a loop (40) for extracting water from an air conditioning system of a cabin (5) of an air or rail transport vehicle comprising an air cycle turbine engine (20), the loop comprising: a condenser (41); a three-dimensional mesh grid (45) housed in an outlet box (42) of the condenser and configured to be able to capture water droplets in a stream of moist air condensed by the condenser; a water recovery unit (46) opening on the condenser outlet box (42) and arranged under the three-dimensional mesh grid (45) so as to be able to recover, by force of gravity, the water collected by the three-dimensional mesh grid (45); an air return pipe (44) linking the outlet box (42) to a supply interface for directly or indirectly supplying the turbine of the air conditioning system.