Multi-Pack ECS Airflow Control for Lower Bleed Air Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas turbine engine compressor systems experience efficiency reduction and increased weight due to bleeding off compressed air for non-propulsive purposes, such as de-icing and cabin pressurization, which requires a heat exchanger that occupies space and reduces thrust generation.
Innovation Solution
An environmental control system (ECS) pack incorporating a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger, an air cycle machine, and an optional condensing heat exchanger, with a controller managing operation modes to optimize bleed air usage, including a compressor and turbine, and valves to direct air flow efficiently between heat exchangers and air loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If bleed air is diverted from the primary flow path to cool the cabin, then cabin environmental control is achieved, but engine efficiency and thrust are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air conditioning function from the primary engine flow path by diverting a portion of compressed air (bleed air) to a separate environmental control system. This allows the main engine core to maintain optimal efficiency while the extracted air is cooled and delivered to the cabin, resolving the contradiction between cabin cooling and engine efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental control system is segmented into separate components: a primary heat exchanger for initial cooling, a secondary heat exchanger for further cooling, and an air cycle machine. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining overall system performance while enabling cabin environmental control without compromising engine thrust.
2Temperature
If a heat exchanger is used to cool the bleed air, then the bleed air temperature is reduced for cabin use, but the system weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat exchanger functions into an integrated environmental control system where the primary and secondary heat exchangers work together with the air cycle machine. This merging allows for more efficient heat transfer and reduced overall system weight compared to using separate, oversized heat exchangers, as the combined system can operate at higher efficiency with smaller individual components.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of the gas turbine engine by minimizing energy loss, reducing weight, and optimizing bleed air usage, thereby improving the overall performance and reducing fuel burn.
Implementation Method 1
a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The air cycle machine includes a compressor and a turbine
Implementation Method 3
a secondary heat exchanger, an air cycle machine
Implementation Method 4
an optional means of removing moisture from the air, such as a condensing heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
The air cycle machine includes a compressor and a turbine
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control system (ECS) pack is provided including a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger, and an air cycle machine. The air cycle machine includes a compressor and a turbine. The compressor is fluidly coupled to an outlet of the primary heat exchanger and to an inlet of the secondary heat exchanger. The outlet of the secondary heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the turbine. A first conduit connects the outlet of the primary heat exchanger and the inlet of the secondary heat exchanger. The first conduit includes a first valve. A second conduit connects the outlet of the secondary heat exchanger to an air load. The second conduit includes a second valve.