Simulator Cockpit Temperature Control via NSA Heat Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive computer simulation systems face high electric power consumption, which contradicts the goal of reducing operational costs and environmental impact while maintaining simulation quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for collecting heat from simulator components and directing it to a training area, with optional air quality monitoring, using a processor module to adjust temperature levels based on simulation events and airflow management, reducing the need for separate heating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate heating systems are used to maintain training area temperature, then temperature control quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the existing cooling airflow system by redirecting heated airflow from electronic components to the training area. This eliminates the need for separate heating systems while maintaining temperature control, directly resolving the contradiction between temperature control quality and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by electronic components (which would normally be wasted) into a beneficial resource for heating the training area. By capturing and redirecting this heat, the system eliminates energy waste while providing necessary heating, resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance and energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If heat is recirculated from NSA to training area, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cooling airflow system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both cooling (for electronic components) and heating (for training area) functions. This universal approach improves energy efficiency without requiring entirely separate systems, managing complexity through functional integration rather than multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of airflow distribution, adjusting the proportion of heated airflow redirected to the training area based on real-time temperature requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining energy efficiency, managing complexity through flexible control rather than rigid fixed configurations.
3Temperature
If forced airflow is used to cool electronic components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the energy 'waste' associated with heating air for cooling electronic components into a useful resource by redirecting this heated airflow to heat the training area. This eliminates the need for separate heating energy input while maintaining effective cooling of electronic components, resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and overall energy consumption.
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 reduces energy consumption and maintains ambient temperature in training areas, improving efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions by recirculating heat and monitoring air quality, thus enhancing the eco-friendliness of the simulation systems.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the electronic components of the NSA using a forced airflow therethrough when the interactive training simulator is in use
Implementation Method 2
capturing heat from the forced airflow exiting the NSA; selectively and controllably transferring heat from the forced airflow to the training area
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed a method and system for controllably adjusting temperature of a training area of an interactive training simulator performing an interactive computer simulation. The interactive training simulator, such as a flight simulator, is associated with a non-simulated area (NSA) housing electronic components used for performing the simulation. The heat generated in the NSA is transferred to the training area, or cockpit, hence eliminating the need for a heating system. Hence, the controlled recirculation of the hot air into the non-simulated area (NSA) improves efficiency of the interactive training simulator and reduces energy consumption. The system also maintains air quality inside the training area by continuously monitoring non-temperature related parameters such as humidity, or gas, volatile organic compounds (VOC) or particle concentrations. The system and method disclosed herewith are eco-friendly in that they allow reducing the amount of electricity for operating the interactive training simulator, and as such reducing the amount of CO2.