OBOGS Controller Predictive Open Loop Oxygen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OBOGS controllers face challenges in dynamically controlling oxygen concentration at defined cabin altitudes due to reliance on lagging oxygen sensor measurements, leading to slow reaction times to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
An open loop control system that uses environmental sensors to predict oxygen concentrator performance, adjusting charge/vent ratios and regenerative purge flow to maintain target oxygen concentrations based on cabin altitude, employing map-based control and feedback signals to ensure accuracy and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional OBOGS controllers use oxygen sensor measurements for control, then oxygen concentration can be monitored, but the reaction time to changing conditions is slow due to lagging measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts future oxygen concentration values based on current environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) and historical data, allowing the system to take preliminary control actions before the actual oxygen concentration deviation occurs. This predictive approach eliminates the lag inherent in reactive control based on current sensor measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where predicted oxygen concentration values are compared with target values, and control adjustments are made based on the predicted error. This feedback loop uses prediction models to anticipate system behavior and adjust control parameters proactively, reducing the time delay associated with traditional measurement-based control.
2Manufacturing precision
If the controller dynamically adjusts charge/vent ratios to maintain target oxygen concentration during altitude changes, then oxygen supply accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-calculates optimal charge/vent ratios and regenerative purge flow rates based on predicted oxygen concentration values and target concentrations. By determining control parameters in advance based on predictions rather than waiting for measurements, the system achieves accurate dynamic control without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with computational prediction models and electronic control. Instead of using complex mechanical feedback mechanisms to detect and respond to oxygen concentration changes, the system uses software-based prediction algorithms that process environmental parameters and generate control signals, simplifying the physical hardware while improving control accuracy.
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 enables proactive and dynamic control of oxygen concentration, improving responsiveness and accuracy in maintaining target oxygen levels, especially during rapid changes in aircraft altitude, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of oxygen supply.
Implementation Method 1
the adsorption material adsorbs some or all of the nitrogen from the air supply creating an oxygen-enriched product gas
Implementation Method 2
OBOGS units may use pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology that operates multiple beds in charge phases
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes an on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS) using open loop control. An example OBOGS includes a concentrator comprising at least two beds and a controller. Each bed has a valve to pneumatically couple the bed between a supply gas source and a vent; The controller receives at least one input signal from at least one sensor aboard an aircraft, and determines a predicted oxygen concentration output from the at least two beds into the based on the received input signals. The controller controls the valves of the at least two beds based on the determined predicted oxygen concentration to adjust charge/vent ratios of the at least two beds.