Aircraft Oxygen Distribution Processor Combustion Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft nitrogen generation systems produce oxygen enriched air as a byproduct, which is typically vented to the ambient environment, wasting potential energy that could be utilized to increase engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen distribution processor dynamically routes the oxygen enriched air to either the ambient environment or the aircraft engine based on flight parameters, allowing it to be used for combustion enhancement during flight phases where fuel tank inerting is not critical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If oxygen enriched air is vented to the ambient environment, then fuel tank inerting safety is ensured, but energy is wasted and engine efficiency is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the destination parameter of oxygen enriched air from ambient venting to engine injection based on flight conditions. The oxygen distribution processor monitors flight parameters and dynamically routes the oxygen enriched air to the engine when conditions permit, transforming it from waste to a useful resource for combustion enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The nitrogen generation system's byproduct (oxygen enriched air) is utilized to serve the engine's combustion needs. The system essentially uses its own waste product to improve its own performance by enhancing engine combustion efficiency, reducing the need for external oxygen supply systems
2Productivity
If oxygen enriched air is routed to the engine for combustion enhancement, then engine efficiency increases, but fuel tank inerting may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen distribution processor dynamically adjusts the routing of oxygen enriched air based on real-time flight parameters. The system transitions between venting and engine injection modes depending on whether the aircraft is in ground mode, takeoff mode, cruise mode, or landing mode, ensuring safety during critical phases while enabling efficiency gains during stable flight
Solution Approach 2:
The flight operation is segmented into different phases (ground, takeoff, cruise, landing), with each phase having specific oxygen routing rules. This segmentation allows the system to apply different strategies for fuel tank inerting and engine performance optimization depending on the operational context
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed oxygen distribution configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different flight phases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen distribution processor continuously monitors flight parameters and uses this feedback to automatically adjust oxygen enriched air routing. The system receives input from sensors monitoring aircraft state and dynamically configures the oxygen distribution based on current operational conditions, enabling adaptability without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The nitrogen generation system serves multiple functions: primary nitrogen production for fuel tank inerting and secondary oxygen enriched air production for engine enhancement. The oxygen distribution processor manages both functions, allowing the same system to adapt to different flight phases by switching between prioritizing safety (inerting) and performance (combustion enhancement)
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 increases engine efficiency by providing additional oxygen for combustion, reducing nitrogen oxide production and optimizing nitrogen generation system performance across various flight phases.
Implementation Method 1
The NGS operates to create nitrogen enriched air as the primary product and oxygen enriched air as a secondary product, and to route the nitrogen enriched air to a fuel tank of an aircraft
Implementation Method 2
In response to selecting a second oxygen distribution configuration, the oxygen distribution processor routes the oxygen enriched air from the NGS to an engine or engines of the aircraft
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods provide for a nitrogen generation and oxygen distribution system (102). According to one aspect, the system (102) includes a nitrogen generation system (104) and an oxygen distribution processor (116) coupled to the nitrogen generation system (104). The nitrogen generation system (104) creates nitrogen enriched air (106) as the primary product for fuel tank (108) use, and oxygen enriched air (110) as a secondary product. The oxygen distribution processor (116) is operative to determine a number of flight parameters (119), and from those parameters (119), provide an oxygen distribution command to an oxygen distribution valve (118) in order to prevent the oxygen enriched air (110) from being distributed, to route the oxygen enriched air (110) to the ambient environment (112), or to route the oxygen enriched air (110) to an aircraft engine (114) to increase combustion efficiency.