Cabin Air Compressor With Integrated Heat Exchanger for Lower System Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft air conditioning systems face challenges in achieving higher efficiency and reducing complexity and weight, particularly in transitioning to electrically powered systems or using lower engine pressures, while maintaining effective air conditioning for the cabin.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a heat exchanger within the compressor housing to optimize energy transfer and reduce the need for separate ducting and components, utilizing compressed air to heat cabin discharge air before it enters the turbine, thereby enhancing energy extraction and minimizing moisture-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate heat exchanger and compressor components are used, then heat exchange function is provided, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is integrated into the compressor housing, merging two separate components (compressor and heat exchanger) into a single unified structure. This reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies the system, and decreases weight while maintaining both compression and heat exchange functions through the combined device
2Weight of stationary object
If separate ducting and components are used, then air flow paths are established, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger utilizes the compressor housing and internal structures as part of its construction, eliminating the need for separate ducting and external components. The compressor housing itself serves as a structural element for heat exchange, reducing overall system weight and volume while maintaining effective air flow paths through the integrated design
3Loss of energy
If compressed air is not used to heat cabin discharge air, then energy extraction is reduced, but moisture-related ice formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats the cabin discharge air using compressed air from the compressor before the air enters the turbine. This preliminary heating action prevents moisture-related ice formation in the turbine while also improving energy extraction efficiency by optimizing the temperature and conditions of the air entering the turbine
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 reduces system complexity, weight, and volume, while improving energy efficiency and reducing the risk of moisture-related ice formation, thus enhancing the overall performance of the environmental control system.
Implementation Method 1
heating the second medium within the heat exchanger using the compressed first medium
Implementation Method 2
optimizing energy transfer
Implementation Method 3
compressing the first medium at the compressor to form the compressed first medium
Implementation Method 4
extracting energy from the second medium at a turbine
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An environmental control system of a vehicle includes a compressor (28) having a compressor inlet configured to receive a first medium and a compressor outlet. A compressed first medium is provided at the compressor outlet. A conduit (68) is configured to receive a second medium and a heat exchanger (52) is mounted to the compressor. The heat exchanger (52) is fluidly connected to a portion of the compressor and to the conduit.