Radial-Flow Water Separator Insert for Compact ECS Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water extractors in environmental control systems are bulky and consume significant space, and multiple extractors in such systems are fluidly coupled to different components, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A water separator with a radially oriented insert having sidewalls and flow passages that direct airflow radially through condensing material, allowing moisture to coalesce and be collected efficiently, potentially eliminating the need for a separate water collector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water extractors are used in environmental control systems, then moisture removal function is provided, but device volume and space consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The water separator insert is nested within the existing duct structure, with the insert fitting inside the duct volume. The condensing material is contained within the insert walls, creating a nested configuration where the water separation function is integrated into the existing environmental control system ductwork without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the environmental control system and simultaneously houses the water separator insert with condensing material for moisture removal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated water extraction equipment, reducing overall device volume.
2Reliability
If multiple separate water extractors are installed in environmental control systems, then comprehensive moisture coverage is achieved, but system complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single water separator insert with circumferential flow passages provides comprehensive moisture removal coverage throughout the duct cross-section. The radial flow design ensures that all airflow passing through the duct encounters the condensing material, eliminating the need for multiple separate extractors and simplifying the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passages are arranged radially around the circumferential direction of the duct, transitioning from linear sequential extraction to three-dimensional circumferential extraction. This dimensional change allows a single insert to provide comprehensive moisture coverage that would otherwise require multiple linearly arranged extractors.
3Productivity
If radial flow passages are implemented in the water separator insert, then moisture coalescence efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensing material is formed as a porous structure within the insert walls, allowing airflow to pass through while providing extensive surface area for moisture coalescence. The porous configuration naturally creates radial flow patterns as air moves through the material, achieving high coalescence efficiency without requiring complex machined flow passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area of the flow passages varies along the flow direction, with passages being larger at the inlet and smaller at the outlet. This parameter change creates a pressure gradient that drives radial flow through the condensing material, enhancing moisture coalescence efficiency while the passages can be formed through standard manufacturing processes.
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 reduces space requirements and enhances moisture removal efficiency, potentially integrating moisture collection directly into the duct system, thus optimizing environmental control system design.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sidewall is formed from a condensing material... allowing moisture to coalesce and be collected efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A water separator for use in an environmental control system includes an insert having an open first end, a closed second end, and at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end such that a hollow interior is defined between the first end, the second end, and the at least one sidewall. The at least one sidewall includes at least one flow passage such that a flow of medium is configured to flow radially from the interior of the insert through the at least one sidewall.