Methods and systems for controlling flammability control systems in aircraft and other vehicles

A method for controlling a flammability control system, the method comprising:

• operating the flammability control system at a first level of operation to suppress the development of flammable vapors in a fuel tank of a vehicle;
• receiving one or more signals relating to an operational phase of the vehicle;
• when the one or more signals correspond to a first level of flammable vapors in the fuel tank, continuing to operate the flammability control system at the first level of operation;
• and
• when the one or more signals correspond to a second level of flammable vapors in the fuel tank that is less than the first level of flammable vapors, at least reducing the operating level of the flammability control system from the first level of operation to a second level of operation that is less than the first level of operation, wherein receiving one or more signals relating to an operational phase of the vehicle includes receiving a signal from a landing gear system of an aircraft.

A method for controlling a flammability control system, the method comprising:

• operating the flammability control system at a first level of operation to suppress the development of flammable vapors in a fuel tank of a vehicle:
• receiving one or more signals relating to an operational phase of the vehicle:
• when the one or more signals correspond to a first level of flammable vapors in the fuel tank, continuing to operate the flammability control system at the first level of operation;
• and
• when the one or more signals correspond to a second level of flammable vapors in the fuel tank that is less than the first level of flammable vapors, at least reducing the operating level of the flammability control system from the first level of operation to a second level of operation that is less than the first level of operation, wherein operating the flammability control system at a first level of operation includes flowing inert gas into the fuel tank, wherein receiving one or more signals relating to an operational phase of the vehicle includes receiving a signal from a landing gear system of an aircraft, and wherein at least reducing the operating level of the flammability control system includes at least reducing the flow of inert gas into the fuel tank when the one or more signals indicate that the aircraft is on the ground.

A computer-readable medium including computer-readable instructions configured to cause a controller to control a flammability control system by a method comprising:

• receiving one or more signals relating to at least one of a condition of a fuel tank and an operational phase of a vehicle;
• when the one or more signals correspond to a first level of flammable vapors in the fuel tank, operating or continuing to operate the flammability control system at a first level of operation;
• and
• when the one or more signals correspond to a second level of flammable vapors in the fuel tank that is less than the first level of flammable vapors, operating or continuing to operate the flammability control system at a second level of operation that is less than the first level of operation, wherein operating the flammability control system at a first level of operation includes operating at least one cooling fan at a first level to cool the fuel tank, and wherein operating the flammability control system at a second level of operation includes at least reducing power to the cooling fan.