Hybrid Electric Cabin Pressurization Architecture
Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary airplane subsystems are inefficient in terms of engine fuel burn at lower power settings, leading to increased weight and power consumption due to the conversion of cabin pressurization from pneumatic to electric systems, which results in large electrical components and a liquid cooling system.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric airplane subsystem architecture that incorporates a bleed system for pressurization and air supply, reducing the need for large electrical components and liquid cooling by utilizing bleed air for cabin pressurization and air supply, and employing an electric auxiliary power unit to eliminate load compressors and bleed ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If cabin pressurization is converted from pneumatic to electric systems, then efficiency at lower power is improved, but weight and power consumption increase due to large electrical components and liquid cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressurization system into two independent sources: an electric fan for ground operation and a bleed system for flight operation. This allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific operating condition, avoiding the need for a single large electric system that would be required to handle both ground and flight pressurization demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between electric fan operation on the ground and bleed system operation during flight. This dynamic adaptation allows the aircraft to use the most efficient source for each phase of operation, improving overall energy efficiency without requiring oversized electrical components that would increase weight.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cabin pressurization is converted from pneumatic to electric systems, then efficiency at lower power is improved, but power consumption increases due to large electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressurization system into two independent sources: an electric fan for ground operation and a bleed system for flight operation. This allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific operating condition, avoiding the need for a single large electric system that would be required to handle both ground and flight pressurization demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed system serves itself by using engine bleed air directly for cabin pressurization during flight, eliminating the need for additional electric power consumption. The system automatically selects the appropriate source (electric fan or bleed air) based on operational phase, with the bleed system handling the higher power demands during flight without requiring external electrical power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If all-electric system is used for cabin pressurization, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to large motor drives and rectifier units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressurization system into two independent sources: an electric fan for ground operation and a bleed system for flight operation. This allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific operating condition, avoiding the need for a single large electric system that would be required to handle both ground and flight pressurization demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the large motor drives and rectifier units from the system by using the bleed system to handle cabin pressurization during flight. This removes the complex electrical conversion equipment that would be required to support a purely electric pressurization system, while retaining the efficiency benefits of electric operation on the ground.
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 significantly reduces electrical power requirements, eliminates the need for large motor drives and rectifier units, and decreases the overall weight of the aircraft while maintaining efficient cabin pressurization and air supply, thereby addressing the inefficiencies of all-electric systems.
Implementation Method 1
a source of outside air when the airplane is on ground comprises forced air from the electric fan
Implementation Method 2
a source of outside air during when the airplane is at cruise comprises bleed air from the at least one port
Implementation Method 3
a vapor cycle air conditioning system configured to receive outside air
Data Source
AI summary
An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a vapor cycle air conditioning system that receives outside air, a bleed system with at least one port, and an electric fan. A source of outside air when the airplane is on ground is forced air from the electric fan. The source of the outside air when the airplane is at cruise is bleed air from the at least one port.