Integrated Aircraft Environmental Control System with Nested Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental control systems for aircraft are hindered by their size, weight, and complexity, which negatively impact fuel performance and carrying capacity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ram air duct with a scroll-shaped outer wall, a diffuser/ejector that extends externally, and a dehumidification system with a condenser and water collector, along with a compression device and heat exchangers, to optimize cabin pressurization and cooling while reducing system weight and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional environmental control system is used to provide cabin pressurization and cooling, then the required environmental control functions are achieved, but the system weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression device and condenser into a single integrated unit, where the condenser is positioned within the compression device housing. This merging of components reduces the overall system weight and volume while maintaining both cabin pressurization and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is nested within the compression device, with the condenser housing positioned inside the compression device housing. This nested arrangement allows one component to occupy the space of another, reducing total system volume and weight without compromising functional performance.
2Reliability
If a conventional environmental control system is used to provide cabin pressurization and cooling, then the required environmental control functions are achieved, but the system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compression device and condenser into a single integrated unit, where the condenser is positioned within the compression device housing. This merging of components reduces the overall system weight and volume while maintaining both cabin pressurization and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser is nested within the compression device, with the condenser housing positioned inside the compression device housing. This nested arrangement allows one component to occupy the space of another, reducing total system volume and weight without compromising functional performance.
3Reliability
If bleed air from aircraft engine is used to power the environmental control system, then the system operates effectively, but fuel performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental control system uses bleed air from the aircraft engine to power both the compression device and the condenser. The compression device compresses bleed air to provide cabin pressurization, and the same compressed air drives the condenser to provide cooling. This self-service arrangement eliminates the need for separate power sources, maintaining reliable operation while improving fuel efficiency.
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 enhances fuel burn efficiency and reduces system weight and volume, improving overall aircraft performance by efficiently powering cabin pressurization and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a compression device, to optimize cabin pressurization and cooling
Implementation Method 2
heat exchangers, to optimize cabin pressurization and cooling
Implementation Method 3
a dehumidification system with a condenser and water collector
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An environmental control system is provided including a ram air circuit (30) having a ram air duct (32) and at least one heat exchanger (24, 26) arranged within the ram air duct. The ram air duct is curved about a ram axis. A compression device (80) includes a compressor (82) and at least one turbine (84, 86) operably coupled by a shaft (90) rotatable about a shaft axis. The ram axis is arranged coaxially with the shaft axis.