U.S. patent application number 11/020617 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for air dispersion system.
Invention is credited to Arnold, Klaus, Bracker, Frank, Lohmar, Jens, Markwart, Michael, Scherer, Thomas, Schwan, Torsten.
Application Number | 20050230488 11/020617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34559774 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050230488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Markwart, Michael ; et
al. |
October 20, 2005 |
Air dispersion system
Abstract
An air dispersion system has a main supply line, a plurality of
air outlets, which are connected via respective air exhaust routes
to the main supply line, and at least one heating element, which is
associated with at least one of the air outlets and can temper the
air in the exhaust route of this air outlet.
Inventors: |
Markwart, Michael;
(Halstenbeck, DE) ; Arnold, Klaus; (Hamburg,
DE) ; Bracker, Frank; (Hamburg, DE) ; Lohmar,
Jens; (Hamburg, DE) ; Scherer, Thomas;
(Hamburg, DE) ; Schwan, Torsten; (Pinneberg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
|
Family ID: |
34559774 |
Appl. No.: |
11/020617 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
237/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 2001/00235
20130101; B60H 1/00371 20130101; B64D 13/08 20130101; B64D 13/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
237/010 |
International
Class: |
F25B 021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 29, 2003 |
DE |
10361392.7 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Air dispersion system, comprising: a main supply line; a
plurality of air outlets, which are connected via respective air
exhaust routes to the main supply line; and at least one heating
element, which is associated with at least one first air outlet of
the plurality of air outlets and is adapted to temper air in the
respective exhaust route of this at least one first air outlet of
the plurality of air outlets.
2. The air dispersion system of claim 1, wherein the respective air
exhaust routes are auxiliary supply lines branching off from the
main supply line, via which the plurality of the air outlets are
supplied individually with air.
3. The air dispersion system of claim 2, wherein the heating
element is mounted on at least one of the auxiliary supply lines,
in order to enable warming of air in the respective auxiliary
supply line.
4. The air dispersion system of claim 1, further comprising: an air
supply from a second air outlet of the plurality of air outlets to
a third air outlet of the plurality of air outlets.
5. The air dispersion system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
heating element is formed directly on one of an air inlet side and
air exhaust side of at least one fourth air outlet of the plurality
of air outlets.
6. The air dispersion system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
heating element has a constantly adjustable heat output.
7. The air dispersion system of claim 1, further comprising: at
least one temperature sensor providing a temperature readout;
wherein, on the basis of the temperature readout, the heat output
of the heating element is controlled to a predetermined value.
8. The air dispersion system of claim 1, wherein a volume flowing
in the air dispersion system remains essentially constant.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to an air dispersion system or air
distribution system, e.g. for homogenizing a thermal load
dispersion or distribution within a chamber, in particular, the
heat dispersion or distribution within a cabin of an aircraft.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] In order to control or regulate the cabin temperature of an
aircraft, the cabin typically is subdivided into a certain number
of temperature zones. However, it is also possible that the
distribution of the heat sources and heat sinks in the zone is
inhomogeneous. This is the case, for example, when the seating
density within the zone varies. A high density of passengers forms
a heat source, while an empty door area represents a heat sink. The
result is that in regions with a heat source, a warmer temperature
prevails and, conversely, in a region with heat sinks, a colder
temperature prevails. An inhomogeneous temperature distribution
within the zone, however, connotes a restriction of thermal
comfort.
[0003] Whether there is an inhomogeneous distribution of the heat
sources and heat sinks depends, then, on the individual arrangement
of the seat layout. This can appear differently for each aircraft
customer.
[0004] In order to counteract the inhomogeneity of the thermal load
distribution within a temperature zone, typically the supply amount
through the air outlets is reduced at the positions with colder
supply temperature, whereby the temperature level of the
corresponding cabin part is raised. One disadvantage of reducing
the air volume, however, is that the air distribution system must
be calibrated anew, which is connected with a large expenditure of
time.
[0005] DE 43 35 152 C1 discloses a cabin air circulation system for
air conditioning of the fuselage of a passenger aircraft. This
cabin air circulation system regulates the fresh air volume flow
including the temperature monitoring for the fuselage pressure of a
passenger aircraft and allows a high degree of purity of the
air-conditioned air. The temperature regulation takes place by
means of a separate heat exchanger in the circulating air.
[0006] DE 195 90 773 C1 discloses a ventilation system for reducing
the concentration of impurities in passenger areas, in particular,
in the smoking zones.
[0007] DE 44 25 871 C2 discloses a method for air conditioning two
passenger decks of an aircraft. For temperature adjustment, air
conditioning systems are used, respectively for an upper deck
circuit and a main deck circuit. In each air conditioning system,
the drawn air removed from the drive works is cooled. The air
conditioning aggregates, in addition, are connected to an exterior
air line, in order to cool the hot drawn air from the drive works
with external air during operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, an air dispersion system is provided which may have at
least one main supply line, through which air is distributed via
respective exhaust routes with a predetermined pressure to air
outlets and is blown into respective temperature zone regions. The
air dispersion system of the present invention further has at least
one heating element, which is associated with at least one of the
air outlets and tempers the air, which flows in a corresponding
exhaust route of this air outlet, to a predetermined temperature,
and the heated air can blow out into a corresponding region.
[0009] It is believed that this air dispersion system according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may allow for a
homogenous temperature distribution in each zone.
[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the air
dispersion or distribution system has auxiliary supply lines, which
branch off from the main supply line, whereby the individual air
outlets are supplied with air individually via an auxiliary
line.
[0011] In this manner, for example, the heating element can be
mounted in the area of the auxiliary supply line, in order to heat
the air flowing therethrough, before it exits into the respective
region via the air outlet.
[0012] Since each temperature zone is supplied by an air outlet (or
a group of air outlets), with failure or malfunction of one
auxiliary supply line, it is believed that only the corresponding
air outlet (or the group of air outlets) is affected, and the
manner of functioning of the remaining air outlets, which are not
supplied via this auxiliary supply line, remains essentially
maintained.
[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the air supply takes place from air outlet to air
outlet, which may have the advantage that the air dispersion system
has a simpler structure.
[0014] According to still another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the heating element is mounted, for example, on
the air discharge side and/or the air inlet side of an air outlet,
in order to heat the air flowing therethrough, before it is blown
out into a corresponding region.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Further exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the
figures:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a cross section through an aircraft cabin;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the air dispersion system
of the air craft cabin shown in FIG. 1 according to a first
exemplary embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the air dispersion system
of the aircraft cabin shown in FIG. 1 according to a second
exemplary embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a installation point for the heating system
with the air dispersion system shown in FIG. 3; and
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a side view from the right of the air outlet
shown in FIG. 4.
[0021] In the figures, the same or similar elements will be
provided with the same reference numerals.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a section through an aircraft cabin 1, which is
subdivided into a certain number of temperature zones 2. In FIG. 1,
for example, in the left half, a first temperature zone 2a is shown
and in the right half, a second temperature zone 2b is shown.
[0023] Via air outlets 3, the temperature zones 2 are supplied with
air. In particular, for example, air is blown into the temperature
zone 2a via the air outlet 3a, and via the air outlet 3b, air is
blown into the temperature zone 2b.
[0024] The air outlets 3a, 3b shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in the
upper region (ceiling region) of the aircraft cabin, but, however,
can be formed at any other desired position within the cabin.
[0025] In addition, FIG. 1 shows sensors 4, for example,
temperature sensors 4a, 4b, which are arranged respectively in each
temperature zone 2a, 2b in the upper region (ceiling region) of the
cabin. The temperature zones can be arranged alternatively
virtually at any position within the temperature zone. The sensor
may be positioned within the temperature zone 2 at a position,
which corresponds to the mean temperature of the temperature zone
(not thermal load). This temperature results naturally from the
thermal load within the temperature zone. With these temperature
sensors 4a, 4b, the temperature within a temperature zone 2 is
typically measured at the point, which corresponds with the mean
temperature in the zone. The engaged local temperatures are
affected, therefore, by the occurring thermal load (sources and
sinks).
[0026] FIG. 1 further shows seats, for example, for receiving
passengers. In one region of the aircraft cabin, in which many
seats 5 occupied with passengers is located, generally the
temperature of this temperature zone 2 is greater than the
temperature in a region of the cabin, in which few or no occupied
seats 5 are located (a minimal seating density), for example, in
the area of the door. The region with many seats, then, represents
a heat source, for example, and the region at the door represents a
heat sink.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the air dispersion system
in the aircraft cabin shown in FIG. 1 according to a first
exemplary embodiment. This air dispersion system has a main supply
line 6, via which multiple air outlets 3 are supplied with air. In
the figure, for purposes of simplicity, the air outlet 3c according
to FIG. 1 is shown. Each air outlet 3 is associated with a specific
temperature zone 2. The air outlet 3a, then, supplies the
temperature zone 2a with air. From the main supply line 6, a
plurality of auxiliary supply lines 7 branch off, in order to
supply the individual air outlets 3, respectively, with air.
Therefore, the air exhaust routes of an air outlet 3 are defined by
a corresponding auxiliary line 7 supplying it with air and by an
air route within the air outlet to the exhaust side of the air from
the air outlet.
[0028] Alternatively, also only one group of air outlets 3 can be
connected via an individual auxiliary supply line 7 with the main
supply line 6, so that air is fed via the main supply line 6 and
the individual auxiliary supply line 7 to the group of air
outlets.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows further a heating element 8, which is formed on
the auxiliary supply line 7a, which supplies the air outlet 3a with
air, which is blown heated into the temperature zone 2a, when the
heating element 8 is in operation.
[0030] The heating element 8 can be a heating coil, for example, an
electrical heater, or the like. The heating element can be located
within the auxiliary supply line 7a, so that any air flow flowing
through the auxiliary supply line 7a comes into contact with the
heating element 8 and is thereby heated in an effective manner.
[0031] Alternatively, it is possible to mount the heating element 8
externally on the auxiliary supply line 7a, so that no direct
contact with the air flowing in the auxiliary supply line 7a
occurs. This has the advantage that the heating element 8 can be
installed subsequently, without having to engage in the tube line
system.
[0032] The air heated by the heating element 8 is fed to the air
outlet 3a and is blown out via air nozzles 9a into the temperature
zone 2a.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an air dispersion system in
the aircraft cabin shown in FIG. 1, according to a second exemplary
embodiment.
[0034] With this air dispersion system, a main supply line 6a
branches off into a left supply line 6a and a right supply line 6b.
Via the left supply line 6a, one group of air outlets is supplied
with air (for purposes of simplicity, only one air outlet 3a is
shown in the figure), whereby the air outlets are connected
directly among each other, so that an air supply from air outlet to
air outlet is ensured. Each air outlet 3 has air nozzles 9, via
which the air is blown out into a temperature zone 2.
[0035] In contrast to the first embodiment, a heating element 8 is
located directly on an air outlet 3a, in order to blow out heated
air via air nozzles 9a. The heating element 8 can be formed
integrally with this on the air inlet side and/or air exhaust side
of the air outlet 3a, in order to heat air first on the ends of an
exhaust route of the air outlet 3a. In this manner, a heating
element can be used with less heat output, compared with the first
exemplary embodiment, in which air already is heated relative to
the beginning of an exhaust route.
[0036] The heating element 8 also can be formed separately and, for
example, can be inserted into the air nozzles 9a of the air outlet
3a, whereby an exchange or a subsequent installation of the heating
element 8 is very simple.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, only the air outlet 3a is provided with
a heating element, so that only the air blown out from this air
outlet is heated, and with reference to the supply air flow, air
outlets 3 lying upstream or downstream are not affected; that is,
air blown out through these air outlets is not heated.
[0038] In the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 and
the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, respectively, only
one heating element 8 is shown by way of example. Depending on the
requirements, however, also multiple air outlets 3 can be
associated with a heating element 8 or multiple heating elements 8.
The heating element 8, then, preferably is associated with an air
outlet 3, in order to heat air in its exhaust route, when this air
outlet 3 lies in a so-called heat sink. Such a heat sink can be
formed, for example, by a door area.
[0039] Alternatively, the heating element also can be used in the
standard manner for all of the air outlets 3, in order to temper
accordingly the air blown out from the air outlets to a
predetermined temperature, whereby the heat output of the heating
element can be dispersed differently. Preferably, the heat output
of the heating element, which is located in the region of a heat
sink, is greater than that of a heating element which is located in
the region of a heat source. A heat source, for example, is formed
by a high density of passengers.
[0040] As with the first exemplary embodiment, a heating element 8
can be a heating coil, an electric heater, or the like, for
example.
[0041] The heat output of the heating element 8, for example, can
be constant or adjustable both in the first exemplary embodiment as
well as in the second exemplary embodiment.
[0042] Preferably, the heat output is regulated with the aid of the
temperature sensors 4 shown in FIG. 1 (sensors 4a, and/or 4b), such
that the exhaust route of an air outlet is heated, in order to
raise the temperature level of regions that are too cold to the
temperature level of the sensor point.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a possible installation point for the heating
element 8.
[0044] According to this exemplary embodiment, the heating element
8 is formed on the air exhaust side of the air outlet 3, so that
the air blown out through the air nozzles 9 is heated. However, it
also can be formed on an air inlet side of the air outlet 3.
[0045] When the air outlet 3 has multiple air nozzles 9, it is
possible that the heating element 8 extends only over a part of the
air nozzles 9.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the outlet shown in FIG. 4 from
the right. As shown in FIG. 5, the air outlet 3 is supplied from
the right with air, which exits downwardly in part over the air
nozzles 9 and in part, flows further to the left, in order to
supply the air outlets lying downstream shown in FIG. 3. The
exhaust air flow branching off downwardly from the supply air flow
(that is, the air exhaust route) is heated by the heating element 8
formed directly on the air outlet 3, so that heated air is blown
into a corresponding temperature zone 2, which is associated with
this air outlet 3.
[0047] The exhaust route of the air outlet 3, then, is heated by
the heating element 8, so that heated air is blown into a
temperature zone 2.
[0048] Although the invention is described above with reference to
an aircraft cabin, it is obvious to the practitioner to modify the
air dispersion system of the present invention, such that it also
can be used in a bus, a PKW, a train, etc., without departing from
the scope of protection of the invention.
[0049] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not
exclude other elements or steps and the "a" or "an" does not
exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with
different embodiments may be combined.
[0050] It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims
shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
* * * * *