Integrated mid-pressure water separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft environmental control systems (ECSs) face inefficiencies and increased complexity, weight, and cost due to high pressure water collection and low pressure water separation methods for dehumidification.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a water separator with an outer annular passage and an inner annular passage, featuring a coalescer and a water collector, respectively, to efficiently coalesce and collect water from airflow, thereby simplifying the system and reducing inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure water collection is used to remove water from airflow, then water removal function is achieved, but system weight, cost, and volume increase due to additional heat exchangers and ducting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water collection function with the existing high-pressure turbine housing, eliminating the need for separate water collectors and heat exchangers. The turbine housing itself is configured with passages and surfaces that directly collect and remove water from the airflow, merging multiple functions into a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water collection function from separate components and integrates it directly into the turbine housing structure. By taking out the need for additional heat exchangers and ducting, the design removes unnecessary elements while preserving the water removal capability.
2Reliability
If low pressure water separation is used to remove water from airflow, then water removal function is achieved, but device complexity increases due to mesh filters and larger water collecting cans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water separation function with the turbine housing and existing airflow path. By utilizing the turbine outlet housing and integrating water collection passages directly into the structure, the design eliminates separate mesh filters and large water collecting cans, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the water collection process into distinct zones within the turbine housing - including a water collection zone with reduced axial velocity and a water ejection zone - allowing efficient water removal without requiring complex external filtration systems.
3Reliability
If low pressure water separation is used with fine mist droplets, then water condensation occurs, but water collection efficiency decreases due to small droplet size making centrifugal forces ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the velocity parameter within the water collection zone by reducing axial velocity through specifically designed passages. This parameter change allows even fine mist droplets to be effectively captured and collected through the integrated water collection system without requiring additional filtration.
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 reduces the overall weight, cost, and volume of the ECS by eliminating unnecessary heat exchangers and ducting, while enhancing the efficiency of water removal and dehumidification.
Implementation Method 1
A coalescer is located along the outer annular passage to coalesce water in the airflow
Implementation Method 2
a swirler vane is located in the inner annular passage to induce swirl into the airflow
Implementation Method 3
The water coming off the turbine is often a very fine mist with a very small droplet size that would be difficult to gather using centrifugal forces and inertia alone
Data Source
AI summary
A water separator includes an outer annular passage extending along a central longitudinal axis of water separator to direct an airflow along a first direction, and an inner annular passage located radially inboard of the outer annular passage and coaxial with the outer annular passage to direct the airflow along a second direction. A coalescer is located along the outer annular passage to coalesce water in the airflow. A water collector is located along the inner annular passage to collect the water. An airflow outlet is located downstream of the water collector through which the airflow exits the water separator.