Reversible Aircraft Ventilation Device for In-Flight Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft ventilation devices are ineffective when the aircraft is in flight, as they rely on forced mechanical convection and are not sufficient to cool the heat exchanger, rendering refrigeration cycles inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A reversible ventilation device with a controller and distributor that adjusts the orientation of vanes to maximize airflow during motor power mode and electrical energy generation during energy-generating mode, allowing the device to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and inject it back into the power supply network, enhancing efficiency by optimizing aerodynamic design and electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the ventilation device uses forced mechanical convection to cool the heat exchanger when the aircraft is on the ground, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device becomes useless when the aircraft is in flight
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a forced convection cooling system when the aircraft is on the ground, and as a wind turbine energy generator when the aircraft is in flight. The reversible inverter and controllable vanes enable the system to adapt its function based on flight conditions, making it universally applicable in both ground and flight scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between motor power mode and energy generating mode based on aircraft flight status. The controller adjusts the vane orientation and inverter operation accordingly: in motor mode, vanes are positioned to maximize airflow for cooling; in generating mode, vanes are repositioned to optimize wind energy capture during flight.
2Productivity
If the ventilation device operates in motor power mode to maximize airflow, then the cooling performance is improved, but the electrical energy generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vane orientation is dynamically adjusted based on the operational mode. In motor power mode, vanes are positioned to maximize airflow for cooling purposes. In energy generating mode, the controller repositions the vanes to optimize the wheel's rotation efficiency for electrical energy generation, thus adapting the aerodynamic characteristics to the current operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including vane angle, wheel rotation speed, and inverter switching frequency based on the operational mode. These parameter changes optimize the system's performance for either airflow generation or electrical energy generation, depending on whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight.
3Device complexity
If the inverter is designed for motor power mode only, then the simplicity of the system is maintained, but the ability to generate and reinject electrical energy into the power supply network is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is designed as a reversible converter that can operate in both motor power mode and energy generating mode. This dual-functionality allows the system to not only drive the fan for cooling but also to convert mechanical energy from the rotating wheel into electrical energy for reinjection into the aircraft's power supply network during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter's operational characteristics are dynamically controlled based on the system's mode of operation. The controller adjusts the inverter's switching patterns and electrical parameters to optimize performance for either motor drive or electrical energy generation, enabling a single device to fulfill multiple functional requirements.
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 device becomes useful during flight by providing electrical power and efficiently generating energy, with an efficiency greater than 0.4 in energy-generating mode, enabling effective cooling and power supply to the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a fan comprising a rotary electrical machine and a wheel for setting an air flow in motion, integral with the rotary machine for setting in rotation thereof; and an inverter to which the rotary machine is connected and which, in one motor power mode of the ventilation device, is suitable for forming the feed current from the rotary machine
Implementation Method 2
the controller being suitable, in the motor supply mode, for controlling the orientation of the vanes in a first position, maximizing an air flow generated by the wheel when it is driven by the rotary machine, and, in the energy generating mode, controlling the orientation of the vanes in a second position, maximizing the electrical energy supplied by the rotary machine
Implementation Method 3
Aircrafts are therefore equipped with ventilation devices that withdraw air outside the aircraft and ensure a sufficient air flow at the heat exchanger to cool it. This cooling is ensured using a forced mechanical convection.
Implementation Method 4
The heat exchanger is generally a condenser of a refrigeration cycle of the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
The ventilation device according to the invention includes a fan and an inverter. The fan comprises a rotary electrical machine and a wheel for setting an air flow into motion, integral with the rotary machine to set it in rotation. The inverter is connected to the rotary machine and, in one motor power mode of the ventilation device, is suitable for forming the supply current of the rotary machine. The inverter is suitable for being connected to a power supply network. The inverter is reversible and is, in a generating mode of the ventilation device, suitable for converting the electrical energy supplied by the rotary machine when it is driven mechanically by the wheel and injecting said converted electrical energy into the power supply network.