Aircraft Galley Fuel Cell Cooling via Air Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galley systems face challenges in achieving energy efficiency and flexibility due to high power consumption by electrical galley devices and heat generation by fuel cells, which increases cooling demands and weight from traditional cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A galley system incorporating an air-breathing fuel cell integrated with air extraction means and a cooling loop, allowing for decentralized power supply and efficient heat management by using cabin air for both fuel cell operation and cooling, reducing the need for additional cooling systems and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fuel cells are used to provide electrical power in aircraft galleys, then energy independence and flexibility are improved, but heat generation increases cooling demands and system weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell power generation system with the aircraft's existing air extraction and cooling systems. The fuel cell housing integrates with the cooling system housing, and the air extraction means serves dual purposes: removing heat from the fuel cell and providing cooling airflow. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling equipment, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining energy independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The air extraction means is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it extracts heat from the fuel cell, provides cooling airflow to the galley devices, and integrates with the existing aircraft air extraction system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system weight while improving energy independence and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fuel cells are used to provide electrical power in aircraft galleys, then energy independence and flexibility are improved, but heat generation increases cooling demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the fuel cell into a beneficial resource by directing it to pre-heat water for beverage preparation in the galley. The water heating device utilizes the thermal energy from the fuel cell exhaust air, transforming what would be waste heat into useful thermal energy for galley operations, thereby reducing the net cooling demand while maintaining energy independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is integrated with the fuel cell system, where the air extraction means serves both to remove heat from the fuel cell and to provide cooling airflow. This integration allows the system to manage heat generation efficiently by utilizing existing aircraft cooling infrastructure rather than requiring separate dedicated cooling equipment.
3Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used for fuel cells, then heat removal is effective, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is designed to be self-cooling through the air extraction means that is already present in the aircraft galley. The system uses its own operational requirements (air supply for the fuel cell) to drive the cooling process, eliminating the need for additional active cooling equipment. The air extraction means automatically removes heat as part of the fuel cell's normal operation, reducing system weight while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The air extraction means serves multiple functions: it provides air supply to the fuel cell, removes heat from the fuel cell, and integrates with the aircraft's existing air extraction system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling equipment, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining effective heat removal through the integrated air flow path.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency and flexibility in aircraft galley systems by providing power to galley devices while effectively managing heat generated by fuel cells, minimizing weight and cooling system requirements, and optimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fuel cell, wherein the at least one fuel cell is able of conducting a fuel cell process under consumption of hydrogen and air for generating electric power, oxygen depleted air, and water
Implementation Method 2
the at least one compartment is adapted for housing at least one of the at least one fuel cell and for removing at least a part of heat emanated from the at least one fuel cell through the air extraction means
Data Source
AI summary
A galley system comprises at least one electrically operated galley device, at least one fuel cell, a plurality of compartments for housing the galley devices, and an air extraction means. At least one of the plurality of compartments comprises at least one air extraction port couplable with the air extraction means. The at least one compartment is adapted for housing at least one of the at least one fuel cell and for removing at least a part of heat emanated from the at least one fuel cell through the air extraction means. At least one of the at least one electrically operated galley device is electrically couplable with the at least one fuel cell unit.