Restricted space air chiller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galley chillers face challenges in maximizing airflow and static pressure within restricted space, necessitating improvements in the airflow and static pressure of both the cooled air re-circulation cycle and liquid recycle systems to effectively preserve perishable foods during flights.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elongated, vertically oriented condenser with a bank of fans and an elongated evaporator also with fans, both oriented in the same plane to fit within an aircraft service column, along with a heater element for periodic de-icing of the evaporator, enhancing airflow and static pressure while conforming to space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the chiller components are arranged in a compact configuration to fit within restricted space, then the space utilization is improved, but the airflow and static pressure are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser and evaporator are arranged in a vertical orientation rather than horizontal, utilizing the vertical dimension of the service column space. This dimensional change allows the heat exchangers to be positioned one above the other, maximizing space utilization while maintaining adequate airflow paths around each component, thus preserving static pressure and airflow performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The chiller system is divided into distinct modular components (condenser, evaporator, fans, heater element) that are vertically segmented and positioned at different heights within the service column. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its function while collectively fitting within the restricted vertical space, maintaining both compactness and operational effectiveness.
2Volume of moving object
If the condenser and evaporator are oriented vertically to maximize space utilization, then the space constraints are satisfied, but the airflow path is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow paths are locally optimized around each vertical heat exchanger by positioning fans and air inlets/outlets at specific locations. The condenser receives air from above and exhausts below, while the evaporator is positioned to receive air from the food storage area. This local quality approach ensures adequate airflow around each component despite the vertical orientation, maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the evaporator operates continuously at low temperature to preserve food, then the food preservation capability is improved, but ice formation on the evaporator occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A heater element is integrated with the evaporator and activated periodically to melt accumulated ice. The control system monitors evaporator temperature and activates the heater when ice formation is detected, creating a periodic heating cycle that prevents excessive ice buildup while maintaining the overall low-temperature environment necessary for food preservation. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between continuous cooling and ice prevention.
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 increases airflow velocity and static back pressure, improving the efficiency of the chiller system, which effectively maintains the required temperature for food preservation within the limited aircraft galley space, while minimizing noise and optimizing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The condenser is elongated, oriented vertically, and includes a bank of fans to increase airflow. The evaporator is also elongated and includes a bank of fans.
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator includes a heater element to periodically heat and de-ice the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft galley chiller is adapted to fit within a service column of the aircraft. The condenser is elongated, oriented vertically, and includes a bank of fans to increase airflow. The evaporator is also elongated and includes a bank of fans. The evaporator and condenser are oriented with the same plane to produce a footprint that fits within the service column. The evaporator includes a heater element to periodically heat and de-ice the evaporator.