Multi-stage vortex tube assembly for low pressure and low flow applications
AssigneeB/E Aerospace, Inc.
InventorsPeter A. Stahl, Christopher Wilson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Two-stage vortex tube assemblies including an internal vortex generation chamber for generating a main vortex and a compressed air inlet having a tangential outlet port for creating a pre-vortex in an inflow of compressed air in a direction of flow of the main vortex. The two-stage vortex assemblies may be utilized in low pressure and low flow applications such as seat climatization, local heating or cooling, etc. Further disclosed are seat constructions and seat climatization systems utilizing a two-stage vortex tube as a single source for heating or cooling.
Claims20
A vortex tube, comprising:
- a main body including:
- i. a cylindrical vortex chamber for generating a main vortex;
- ii. a cylindrical air circulation chamber coaxial with the vortex chamber;
- and
- iii. a compressed air inlet coupled in fluid communication to the vortex chamber for generating a pre-vortex in an inflow flow of compressed air in a direction of flow of the main vortex;
- a vortex generator disposed in the vortex chamber of the main body;
- a hot air outlet coupled to a first end of the main body;
- and
- a cold air outlet coupled to a second end of the main body.
A seat heating and cooling system, comprising:
- a vortex tube including:
- i. a main body having a cylindrical vortex chamber for generating a main vortex, a cylindrical air circulation chamber coaxial with the vortex chamber, and a compressed air inlet coupled in fluid communication to the vortex chamber for generating a pre-vortex in an inflow flow of compressed air in a direction of flow of the main vortex;
- ii. a vortex generator disposed in the vortex chamber of the main body;
- iii. a hot air outlet coupled to a first end of the main body;
- and
- iv. a cold air outlet coupled to a second end of the main body;
- a compressed air source for supplying compressed air to the compressed air inlet;
- a manifold assembly having a hot air inlet coupled in fluid communication to the hot air outlet of the vortex tube and a cold aft inlet coupled in fluid communication to the cold air outlet of the vortex tube;
- at least one duct coupled in fluid communication to the manifold assembly for delivery hot or cold air to a seat assembly;
- and
- a controller for controlling passage of hot and cold air flow through the manifold assembly.
A passenger seat assembly, comprising:
- a cushion including spacer mesh;
- a vortex tube including:
- i. a main body having a cylindrical vortex chamber for generating a main vortex, a cylindrical air circulation chamber coaxial with the vortex chamber, and a compressed air inlet coupled in fluid communication to the vortex chamber for generating a pre-vortex in an inflow of compressed air in a direction of flow of the main vortex;
- ii. a vortex generator disposed in the vortex chamber of the main body;
- iii. a hot air outlet coupled to a first end of the main body;
- and
- iv. a cold air outlet coupled to a second end of the main body;
- a manifold assembly having a hot air inlet coupled in fluid communication to the hot air outlet of the vortex tube and a cold air inlet coupled in fluid communication to the cold air outlet of the vortex tube;
- at least one duct coupled in fluid communication to the manifold assembly for delivery hot or cold air into an interior of the spacer mesh;
- and
- a controller for controlling passage of hot and cold air flow through the manifold assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.