Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method is used to provide dynamic electrical power management which may minimize the potential for overload conditions and may ensure that system performance limits are maintained. The method may dynamically limit the primary load system power draw in response to the net power draw of all other electrical power users on the aircraft which may ensure that the total power levels remain below critical limits. The method may also provide predictive controls to handle rapid load transients. Additionally, if vital functions are not being met, the method may shed other selected aircraft electrical loads which may ensure that adequate power is provided to the primary load system.
Abstract:
A tandem inlet apparatus for use with a high speed mobile platform, for example a commercial or military aircraft. The tandem inlet apparatus includes a Pitot inlet for feeding air to a cabin air compressor (CAC) of an air conditioning pack carried on the mobile platform. A flush heat exchanger inlet is disposed forwardly of the Pitot inlet and longitudinally aligned with the Pitot inlet, for supplying cooling air to a heat exchanger of the air conditioning pack. By locating the heat exchanger inlet forwardly and longitudinally in line with the Pitot inlet, the heat exchanger inlet is able to effectively swallow a large portion of the boundary layer, which results in a thinner boundary layer at the inlet face of the Pitot inlet. This enables a smaller throat area Pitot inlet to be used, as well as a shorter diverter height to be employed with the Pitot inlet, while still realizing an improved recovery factor (RF) performance with the Pitot inlet. The reduced height Pitot inlet also enables drag to be reduced.
Abstract:
A tandem inlet apparatus (10) for use with a high speed mobile platform, for example a commercial or military aircraft. The tandem inlet apparatus includes a Pitot inlet (102) for feeding air to a cabin air compressor (CAC) of an air conditioning pack carried on the mobile platform. A flush heat exchanger inlet (104) is disposed forwardly of the Pitot inlet and longitudinally aligned with the Pitot inlet, for supplying cooling air to a heat exchanger of the air conditioning pack. By locating the heat exchanger inlet forwardly and longitudinally in line with the Pitot inlet, the heat exchanger inlet is able to effectively swallow a large portion of the boundary layer (118), which results in a thinner boundary layer (122) at the inlet face of the Pitot inlet. This enables a smaller throat area Pitot inlet (113) to be used, as well as a shorter diverter height (108) to be employed with the Pitot inlet, while still realizing an improved recovery factor (RF) performance with the Pitot inlet. The reduced height Pitot inlet also enables drag to be reduced.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing airflow in an aerospace vehicle are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an aerospace vehicle having an interior volume with a first portion and a second portion. The system can further include an external air supply device positioned to provide supply air to the interior volume at a variable supply flow rate and a recirculation fan configured to move air positioned within the interior volume between the first portion of the interior volume and the second portion of the interior volume. The system can still further include a controller operably coupled to the recirculation fan and configured to vary a rotation speed of the recirculation fan. Variations in the rotation speed of the recirculation fan can be associated with variations in a recirculation flow rate. In selected embodiments, the system can include sensors and/or data link devices operably coupled to the controller.
Abstract:
An aircraft system for improved cooling efficiency comprises at least one air conditioning pack (44), coupled to an aircraft, having at least one air compression device (50) powered by at least one power source (62) and having an air compression device inlet (52). The system further comprises at least one air flow path for redirecting a first portion of a first volume of aircraft interior outflow air from an aircraft interior to the air compression device inlet. The air flow path includes a shutoff valve (72) to enable the air flow path during ground operation of the aircraft and to disable the air flow path for flight operation of the aircraft. The air compression inlet mixes the first volume of aircraft interior outflow air with a second volume of aircraft exterior inflow air to form an air mixture. The air conditioning pack conditions and circulates the air mixture into the aircraft interior.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method is used to provide dynamic electrical power management which may minimize the potential for overload conditions and may ensure that system performance limits are maintained. The method may dynamically limit the primary load system power draw in response to the net power draw of all other electrical power users on the aircraft which may ensure that the total power levels remain below critical limits. The method may also provide predictive controls to handle rapid load transients. Additionally, if vital functions are not being met, the method may shed other selected aircraft electrical loads which may ensure that adequate power is provided to the primary load system.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing airflow in an aerospace vehicle are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an aerospace vehicle having an interior volume with a first portion and a second portion. The system can further include an external air supply device positioned to provide supply air to the interior volume at a variable supply flow rate and a recirculation fan configured to move air positioned within the interior volume between the first portion of the interior volume and the second portion of the interior volume. The system can still further include a controller operably coupled to the recirculation fan and configured to vary a rotation speed of the recirculation fan. Variations in the rotation speed of the recirculation fan can be associated with variations in a recirculation flow rate. In selected embodiments, the system can include sensors and/or data link devices operably coupled to the controller.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises systems and methods for providing conditioned air to a selected portion of an aircraft cabin. In one embodiment, a system includes a cargo compartment air recirculation system fluidly coupled to the cargo compartment (24) and having an air moving device (32) to extract air from the compartment and to transport the air to an air heating device (46) and an air cooling device (48) fluidly coupled to the cargo compartment. Air may be supplied from an air source. Extracted air maybe discharged overboard. A temperature control system (40) is operably coupled to the air heating device and the air cooling device, the control system being configured to maintain a predetermined air temperature within the compartment in response to a sensed compartment temperature .
Abstract:
The present invention comprises systems and methods for providing conditioned air to a selected portion of an aircraft cabin. In one embodiment, a system includes a cargo compartment air recirculation system fluidly coupled to the cargo compartment and having an air moving device to extract air from the compartment and to transport the air to an air heating device and an air cooling device fluidly coupled to the cargo compartment. Air may be supplied from an air source. Extracted air maybe discharged overboard. A temperature control system is operably coupled to the air heating device and the air cooling device, the control system being configured to maintain a predetermined air temperature within the compartment in response to a sensed compartment temperature.