Pressurized Condenser for Aircraft Fuel Tank Inerting
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard inert gas generating systems for aircraft fuel tanks produce humid oxygen-depleted air, which requires methods to reduce water content to prevent ice formation and ensure safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a chemical inert gas generator, a condenser operating at pressures greater than or equal to 2 atmospheres absolute pressure, and a boost compressor with a heat exchanger to produce and dry oxygen-depleted air, using catalytic oxidation, proton exchange membrane, or solid oxide electrochemical devices to reduce water content effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condenser operates at atmospheric pressure to dry oxygen-depleted air, then the system structure is simple, but ice may form in the protected space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the condenser from atmospheric pressure to pressurized operation (greater than or equal to 2 atmospheres absolute pressure). This parameter change raises the dew point temperature, allowing water condensation to occur at higher temperatures that prevent ice formation while maintaining effective drying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressurized condenser as an intermediary component between the oxygen-depleted air source and the protected space. This intermediary device performs the critical function of removing water vapor through condensation under pressurized conditions, preventing ice formation without requiring complex additional heating or temperature control systems.
2Reliability
If the condenser operates at higher pressure to prevent ice formation, then ice formation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the condenser by operating at pressurized conditions (greater than or equal to 2 atmospheres absolute pressure) rather than atmospheric pressure. This parameter change fundamentally alters the condensation behavior, enabling water removal at temperatures that prevent ice formation while maintaining system safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized condenser system utilizes the inherent properties of pressurized gas condensation to achieve water removal without requiring additional external heating systems or complex temperature control mechanisms. The system leverages the elevated dew point at pressurized conditions to enable self-regulating condensation that prevents ice formation.
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
The system effectively reduces water content in oxygen-depleted air, preventing ice formation and ensuring safe operation by maintaining the air above freezing temperatures, thus enhancing the safety and efficiency of fuel tank inerting.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the water content of the inert gas in the condenser
Implementation Method 2
The catalytic oxidation unit may operate at a temperature greater than 150° C.
Implementation Method 3
The pressurized air flow path includes a heat exchanger before the boost compressor and an additional heat exchanger after the boost compressor.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing dried inert gas to a protected space is disclosed.