OBIGGS ASM Temperature Modulation for Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inert gas generating systems for aircraft have statically selected temperature control settings, which do not adjust based on current performance capability, leading to reduced ASM life and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A controller dynamically modulates the air inlet temperature of the Air Separation Module (ASM) based on real-time data such as temperature, oxygen concentration, pressure, and aircraft data to maintain a minimum required temperature setpoint, optimizing oxygen production and extending ASM life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the air inlet temperature to the ASM is reduced to extend ASM life, then the ASM service life is improved, but the ASM oxygen separation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static temperature control to dynamic temperature modulation. The controller continuously adjusts the air inlet temperature to the ASM based on real-time monitoring of oxygen concentration in the NEA. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal performance levels while minimizing temperature exposure to extend membrane life, resolving the contradiction between service life and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modulating the air inlet temperature as a variable parameter rather than maintaining a fixed setpoint. The temperature is dynamically adjusted within an optimal range based on actual system performance and environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational requirements while protecting the membrane from excessive thermal degradation.
2Productivity
If the air inlet temperature to the ASM is increased to improve oxygen separation efficiency, then the ASM productivity is improved, but the ASM service life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring oxygen concentration in the nitrogen-enriched air output and using this information to adjust the air inlet temperature to the ASM. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that temperature is only increased when necessary to maintain performance, and is reduced when performance requirements are met, thereby extending membrane service life while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static to dynamic temperature control, allowing the ASM operating temperature to vary within an optimal range based on real-time performance monitoring. This dynamic modulation enables the system to achieve high productivity when needed while minimizing thermal stress on the membrane to extend service life.
3Device complexity
If static temperature control settings are used in conventional systems, then the system design is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to changing operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback control by monitoring oxygen concentration in the NEA output and using this information to dynamically adjust the air inlet temperature to the ASM. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing operational conditions, environmental factors, and membrane aging effects while maintaining optimal performance, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically adjusting its own operating parameters (air inlet temperature) based on monitored performance metrics (oxygen concentration). The controller autonomously modulates temperature to maintain optimal ASM performance without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems.
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 approach extends the usable life of the ASM, reduces maintenance costs, and maintains required performance by dynamically adjusting the inlet temperature to match changing operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
as it passes through the hollow fibers, oxygen is separated from the air stream due to diffusion through the fiber walls
Implementation Method 2
compressed hot air is usually cooled by a heat exchanger to an optimal temperature before being vented to an ASM
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for controlling an on-board inert gas generation system (OBIGGS) having an air separation module (ASM) dynamically modulates a temperature setpoint for air inlet temperature to the ASM to provide a minimum temperature setpoint that produces a prescribed oxygen concentration at an output of the ASM.