Increasing the performance of aircraft on-board inert gas generating systems by turbocharging
AssigneeShaw Aero Devices, Inc.
InventorPhilip E. Jones
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular, on-board, inert gas generating system for aircraft is disclosed in which main components such as a heat exchanger, filter, air separation module, and turbocharger are provided in a modular unit sized to provide a variable flow of nitrogen-enriched air to the aircraft spaces to be inerted. For different inert gas requirements, for example in larger aircraft, multiple modular units may be provided without redesigning the basic system. A method for inerting fuel tanks, cargo holds and other void spaces using the modular approach and turbocharged engine bleed air is also disclosed.
Claims37
An inerting system, comprising:
- at least one modular unit comprising a housing containing:
- an air separation module configured to receive an air flow from a pressurized air source, said air separation module generating a flow of nitrogen-enriched air from said air flow;
- a turbine communicating with said flow of nitrogen-enriched air and powered thereby;
- and
- a compressor disposed in said air flow between the air separation module and said source and said compressor being rotated by said turbine to increase the pressure of said air flow to the air separation module.
A modular system for inerting spaces in aircraft, comprising at least one modular unit, wherein:
- said at least one modular unit is configured and dimensioned to be mounted in the aircraft and to communicate with said space in a quantity sufficient in combination to meet a nitrogen-enriched flow requirement for inerting said space;
- and
- each said modular unit comprises a separately housed and interchangeable unit containing:
- an air separation module configured to be connected to an on-board source of air, said air separation module generating a flow of nitrogen-enriched air corresponding to a portion of said flow requirement;
- a turbine disposed in said flow of nitrogen-enriched air;
- and
- a compressor disposed to receive said engine bleed air and deliver it to the air separation module at an increased pressure, said compressor being driven by said turbine.
A method for inerting void spaces in aircraft, the aircraft having an inert gas requirement for said inerting, the method comprising:
- connecting at least one modular unit comprising a separately housed and interchangeable unit containing a compressor, an air separation module, and a turbine to a source of air at a first pressure, said unit producing a flow of nitrogen-enriched air at a predetermined flow rate and oxygen purity level based on air input at a second, higher pressure;
- compressing air from the source to said second higher pressure;
- and
- directing the nitrogen-enriched air to the space to be inerted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.