Solid-state cooling add-on bar unit for aircraft food service apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for aircraft galleys face stringent certification requirements, are bulky, costly, and environmentally unfriendly, with high maintenance complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
Integration of solid-state thermoelectric devices (TEDs) in a vertical stack configuration within the galley structure, utilizing air-to-air thermoelectric modules with finned heat sinks and efficient air circulation to provide chilled air, while utilizing waste heat for cabin warming and reducing the need for environmentally harmful gases and fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional vapor cycle cooling systems are used in aircraft galleys, then cooling function is provided, but the system size, weight, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapor cycle cooling system with solid-state thermoelectric devices (TEDs) that use the Peltier effect to directly convert electrical energy into temperature differences. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components such as compressors, condensers, and expansion devices, thereby significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the chiller installation while maintaining effective cooling capability for aircraft galley applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the cooling system by transitioning from a phase-change-based vapor cycle to a solid-state electrical-to-thermal conversion system. This parameter change allows for a more compact design with reduced weight, as the thermoelectric modules can be directly integrated into the galley structure without requiring separate heavy-duty cooling units
2Temperature
If traditional vapor cycle cooling systems are used, then cooling is achieved, but environmentally harmful gases and fluids are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for environmentally harmful refrigerants by replacing the vapor cycle system with solid-state thermoelectric devices. These TEDs generate cooling through direct electrical-to-thermal conversion using the Peltier effect, completely avoiding the use of fluorinated gases or other harmful fluids that are restricted under environmental regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the thermoelectric devices into a useful resource by implementing a heat recovery system. The hot side of the TEDs, which would normally dissipate waste heat, is now utilized to provide heating functionality for the galley, thereby converting a potentially harmful waste product into a beneficial secondary function
3Temperature
If externally manufactured GAINS are used, then cooling is provided, but certification requirements are stringent and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric cooling devices directly into the galley structure as an integrated unit, rather than using separate externally manufactured GAINS. This integration allows the cooling system to be certified as part of the food service apparatus itself, thereby reducing certification complexity and cost while maintaining effective cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional unit that combines cooling, heating (through waste heat recovery), and food service capabilities into a single integrated system. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying both manufacturing and certification processes while providing comprehensive galley functionality
4Weight of stationary object
If solid-state TEDs are integrated into the food service apparatus structure, then size, weight, and complexity are reduced, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric devices, heat sinks, and food service components into a single integrated assembly that can be installed directly into the galley structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby simplifying the overall integration process despite the advanced technology used
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 solution significantly reduces the size, cost, and weight of the chiller installation, simplifies maintenance, and eliminates the use of environmentally harmful substances, while maintaining effective cooling and providing secondary heating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric effect is the direct conversion of temperature differences to electric voltage and vice versa. A thermoelectric device creates voltage when there is a different temperature on each side. Conversely, when a voltage is applied to it, it creates a temperature difference.
Implementation Method 2
The TED can be manufactured using hot and cold side finned (air-to-air) or fin and tank (air-to-liquid) heat sinks on either side of a thermoelectric module (TEM).
Implementation Method 3
At the atomic scale, an applied temperature gradient causes charge carriers in the material to diffuse from the hot side to the cold side.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A solid-state cooling apparatus for a galley installed in an aircraft that includes at least one storage enclosure for containing chilled beverage and/or foods for storage and a solid- state air-to-air thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side mounted in the galley and having at least one fan for circulating chilled air in proximity to the storage enclosure. A waste heat capture device is provided and includes a hot air outlet for discharging waste heat from the hot side of the cooling thermoelectric devices into the aircraft exterior to the galley.