Solid-state cooling add-on bar unit for aircraft food service apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing galley cooling systems in aircraft require stringent certification, are bulky, costly, and complex, and rely on environmentally unfriendly gases and fluids, leading to high maintenance costs and reduced mean time between failures.
Innovation Solution
Integration of commercially available thermoelectric devices (TEDs) into a compact, line replaceable unit (LRU) solid-state cooling apparatus with semi-enclosed and fully enclosed recirculated cooling systems, utilizing air-to-air thermoelectric devices with waste heat capture for secondary heating, and graphene heat sinks to reduce size, weight, and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vapor cycle cooling systems are used in aircraft galleys, then cooling function is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, complex, and requires stringent certification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical vapor cycle cooling system with a solid-state thermoelectric device (TED) that uses the Peltier effect for cooling. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components such as compressors, condensers, and expansion devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cooling function suitable for aircraft galley applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the cooling system by transitioning from a phase-change vapor cycle to a solid-state thermoelectric effect. This parameter change allows the system to operate without moving parts, reducing complexity and certification requirements while achieving the same cooling objective
2Reliability
If traditional vapor cycle cooling systems are used, then cooling capability is provided, but the system becomes costly and requires high maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical vapor cycle system with a solid-state thermoelectric device, the patent eliminates moving parts that are prone to failure and require maintenance. The TED has no compressors, seals, or lubricants that can degrade, thereby increasing mean time between failures while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs commercially available thermoelectric devices that can be manufactured at lower cost using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. These TEDs are designed as replaceable units that can be economically replaced rather than repaired, reducing overall system cost while maintaining high reliability during their operational life
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional cooling systems are used, then cooling is achieved, but environmentally harmful gases and fluids are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vapor cycle system that requires refrigerants with a solid-state thermoelectric device that uses electricity directly to create a temperature difference through the Peltier effect. This substitution completely eliminates the need for environmentally harmful refrigerant gases, addressing the environmental concern while accepting higher electrical energy consumption as the trade-off
4Volume of moving object
If compact cooling solutions are implemented, then size is reduced, but cooling efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermoelectric device directly into the existing galley structure, nesting the cooling function within the available space of the beverage storage compartment. This nested integration achieves compact size by eliminating separate chiller housings and ductwork while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through direct thermal coupling with the storage space
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 solution significantly reduces the size, cost, and complexity of chiller installations, lowers maintenance costs, and simplifies replacements while eliminating the use of environmentally harmful substances, enhancing airworthiness certification and operational efficiency.
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
having at least one fan for circulating chilled air in proximity to the storage enclosure
Data Source
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.