US 6,658,855 B1 · System for warming pressurized gas

Abstract

A plurality of vessels contains pressurized gas. Each vessel fluidly communicates with an adjacent vessel through a line. A heat exchanger is positioned in a heat conducting relationship with each line. The system includes an exhaust valve communicating with lower pressure. In one embodiment, the vessels communicate in series and only one of the vessels communicates with the exhaust valve. Alternatively, the vessels are arranged in a loop configuration with two of the vessels communicating with the exhaust valve through respective lines each containing a shutoff valve. The two shutoff valves are opened and closed in concert to cause the flow in the system to alternate directions as it is being exhausted. In a third configuration, two vessels communicate through a singular line in accordance with the most basic embodiment, but the vessel communicating with the exhaust valve encloses the other vessel. Heat transfer fins are located in the enclosed vessel, and extend into the enclosing vessel. A heat exchanger is located in a heat conducting relationship with the communicating line to heat the gas flowing from the enclosed vessel, and the fins conduct part of this heat to the gas still inside the enclosed vessel.

Claims28

Dependent claims

In a system for combusting a fuel having a combustor, a fuel supply connected with the combustor and a gaseous oxidant supply connected with the combustor, the improvements comprising:

a first vessel containing a gaseous oxidant under pressure;
a second vessel containing a gaseous oxidant under pressure;
a line which connects said first and second vessels for gaseous oxidant flow under pressure from said second vessel to said first vessel;
a heat exchanger positioned in a heat conducting relation with said line for heating and increasing a temperature of gaseous oxidant flowing in said line from said second vessel to said first vessel;
and
an exhaust valve in communication with said first vessel and with said combustor for allowing flow of said gaseous oxidant from said first vessel to said combustor.

3 more elements

In an emergency power system for aircraft wherein the system has a combustor for combusting a fuel with an oxidant, a fuel supply connected with said combustor and a gaseous oxidant supply connected with said combustor which, in operation, produces expanding gases for rotating a turbine wheel which drives an electric alternator or generator and a hydraulic pump, the improvements comprising:

a first vessel containing a gaseous oxidant under pressure;
a second vessel containing a gaseous oxidant under pressure;
a line which connects said first and second vessels for gaseous oxidant flow under pressure from said second vessel to said first vessel;
a heat exchanger positioned in a heat conducting relation with said line for heating and increasing a temperature of gaseous oxidant flowing in said line from said second vessel to said first vessel;
and
an exhaust valve in communication with said first vessel and with said combustor for allowing flow of said gaseous oxidant from said first vessel to said combustor.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for warming pressurized gas

Life of this patent

System for warming pressurized gas

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28