Aircraft Pack Turbine Bypass for High-Altitude Cooling Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft air conditioning systems require more air pressure at high altitudes than necessary, leading to inefficient power usage due to the need for higher pressure air, which is not efficiently managed by prior art systems.
Innovation Solution
The system includes first and second turbines with a movable valve that changes the fluid connection from series to parallel at higher altitudes, allowing airflow to bypass the second turbine and reduce resistance, thereby optimizing airflow and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If higher pressure air is provided to the air conditioning system at high altitude, then acceptable cooling is achieved, but aircraft power consumption increases due to inefficient power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel turbine configurations based on altitude conditions. At high altitude, the parallel configuration is activated to reduce pressure requirements and power consumption while maintaining cooling performance. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fluid connection configuration parameter between series and parallel arrangements of turbines. This parameter change fundamentally alters the pressure-flow characteristics of the system, enabling it to operate efficiently at both low and high altitude conditions by matching the configuration to the required pressure levels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a variable pressure source is used to reduce air pressure at high altitudes, then power efficiency improves, but the prior art air conditioning systems cannot run efficiently with reduced pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic valve control mechanisms that enable switching between series and parallel turbine configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to variable pressure sources and operate efficiently across different altitude conditions, resolving the limitation of prior art systems that could not efficiently handle reduced pressure inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-mode turbine configuration provides multi-functionality, allowing the same air conditioning system to efficiently operate under both high pressure (low altitude) and low pressure (high altitude) conditions. This universal design eliminates the need for altitude-specific system variations while maintaining optimal efficiency across all operating conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the turbines are connected in series, then the system maintains stable configuration, but airflow resistance increases at high altitudes reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static series configuration to a dynamic dual-mode configuration that can switch between series and parallel arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the system to reduce airflow resistance at high altitudes by activating the parallel configuration, while maintaining the stability and simplicity of the series configuration when operating at lower altitudes.
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 enables the air conditioning system to operate efficiently across various altitude conditions by reducing the aircraft power needed, ensuring efficient airflow and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
The air is routed to another heat exchanger and through the conditioning circuits before being provided to a turbine. Expanded air from the turbine flows through the conditioning circuits and enters another turbine where the air is further expanded.
Implementation Method 2
A valve is associated with the passages and is movable between open and closed positions. In the open position, the valve permits flow through the passageway from the first turbine directly to the pack outlet thereby bypassing the second turbine and reducing the resistance to airflow passing through the pack.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system is provided that includes first and second turbines and a compressor. The second turbine is in fluid communication with a pack outlet. A passage fluidly connects the first turbine and the pack outlet. A valve is associated with the passages and is movable between open and closed positions. In the open position, the valve permits flow through the passageway from the first turbine directly to the pack outlet thereby bypassing the second turbine and reducing the resistance to the flow through the system. The valve is opened at higher altitudes to change the typical series fluid connection between the turbines to a parallel fluid connection. In this configuration, the air conditioning system operates more efficiently using reduced air pressure provided to the system. Another valve is also opened to permit additional reduction in the air pressure required.