U.S. patent application number 13/966347 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for utilization for aircraft airstair space and fuel cell system integration.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERTECHNIQUE. The applicant listed for this patent is INTERTECHNIQUE. Invention is credited to Yannick Brunaux, Jean-Marie Daout, Peter Fiala, Thomas Lee Marks.
Application Number | 20140048649 13/966347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49004066 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140048649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brunaux; Yannick ; et
al. |
February 20, 2014 |
UTILIZATION FOR AIRCRAFT AIRSTAIR SPACE AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM
INTEGRATION
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved space
utilization concepts for aircraft, and particularly to using under
floor space created by the envelope designed to house an airstair
system. For example, this space may be used to house and integrate
one or more fuel cell system(s) and/or components, such as hydrogen
tanks and/or the fuel cell body, such that the fuel cell system can
deliver useful byproducts to support various aircraft functions.
Additionally or alternatively, the space may be used to store other
components.
Inventors: |
Brunaux; Yannick; (Saint Cyr
L'Ecole, FR) ; Daout; Jean-Marie; (Mukilteo, WA)
; Marks; Thomas Lee; (Coto De Caza, CA) ; Fiala;
Peter; (Bellevue, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERTECHNIQUE |
Plaisir Cedex |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTERTECHNIQUE
Plaisir Cedex
FR
|
Family ID: |
49004066 |
Appl. No.: |
13/966347 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61682936 |
Aug 14, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
244/118.5 ;
244/129.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 37/30 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; B64D 11/00 20130101; Y02T 50/40 20130101;
F24C 15/00 20130101; Y02T 50/46 20130101; B64D 47/02 20130101; B64D
11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
244/118.5 ;
244/129.1 |
International
Class: |
B64D 37/30 20060101
B64D037/30; B64D 11/00 20060101 B64D011/00 |
Claims
1. An aircraft having an airstair envelope with the airstairs
uninstalled or removed, comprising: a. one or more components of a
fuel cell system installed in the airstair envelope; and b. a
service panel in the aircraft passenger deck floor to provide
access to the airstair space from within the aircraft.
2. The aircraft of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a
trash compactor, a trash storage, a chiller, or an inverter
positioned in the airstair envelope.
3. The aircraft of claim 1, further comprising one or more of extra
pillows, blankets, beverage items, or food storage items positioned
in the airstair envelope.
4. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein one or more hydrogen tanks are
stored in the airstair envelope.
5. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein a fuel cell body is stored in
the airstair envelope and wherein hydrogen tanks are stored
remotely, with the fuel cell body and at least one hydrogen tank
being fluidly connected.
6. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein hydrogen tanks are stored in an
overhead space above an aircraft galley.
7. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the aircraft has a passenger
deck floor, wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system
generate heat, and wherein the heat generated is used to heat
portions of the passenger deck floor, without the need for a
separate heated floor panel.
8. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the aircraft has a cargo bay,
wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system generate
heat, and wherein the heat generated is routed to the cargo
bay.
9. The aircraft of claim 1, wherein the aircraft has a galley or a
lavatory, wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system
generate heat, and wherein the heat generated is routed to the
galley or the lavatory or both.
10. An aircraft having a cabin roof and an aircraft external skin,
the aircraft comprising: a. one or more components of a fuel cell
system installed a space between the cabin roof and the aircraft
external skin.
11. The aircraft of claim 10, wherein one or more hydrogen tanks
are stored in the space.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/682,936, filed Aug. 14, 2012, titled
"Aircraft Equipment Concepts," the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
improved space utilization concepts for aircraft, and particularly
to using under floor space created by the envelope designed to
house an airstair system. For example, this space may be used to
house and integrate one or more fuel cell system(s) and/or
components, such as hydrogen tanks and/or the fuel cell body, such
that the fuel cell system can deliver useful byproducts to support
various aircraft functions. Additionally or alternatively, the
space may be used to store other galley-related items, such as
extra trash storage, trash compactor components, and/or chiller
components, as well as heat management systems, fluid components
(gas or liquid), or other power components, such as an inverter. It
is also envisioned that this space may be used to integrate other
components that would otherwise consume valuable space elsewhere in
the aircraft. This space can also include components that assist
with heat management.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An airstair is a set of steps built into an airliner so that
passengers (as well as aircraft crew and the maintenance team) may
board the aircraft. Airstairs can be used on commercial, business,
and freight aircraft. The airstairs are often built into a
clamshell-style type door on the aircraft. They are commonly
installed when an aircraft is intended to land on an airport
tarmac, where there is limited ground infrastructure or service.
The airstairs can be deployed in order to allow aircraft access
without any external structures, thus eliminating the need for
passengers to use a mobile stairway or jetway to board and exit the
aircraft and providing the aircraft (and airline company) with more
independence from ground services, even when they are available. As
ground service costs increase, some airlines are choosing to
integrate an airstair envelope into the aircraft in order to
provide the option of limiting ground service cost. For example, in
large airports, the cost of passenger ground service, parking, and
time of ground handling can be important compared to the added
weight and space of the air stair. More and more aircraft
manufacturers are thus proposing to include an airstair envelope in
aircraft, which can be optionally fitted with an airstair, in order
to reduce time and the cost of ground operation.
[0004] However, the weight of an airstair has an impact on fuel
consumption during the aircraft operation. Each kilogram in an
aircraft is taken into account, which is why some aircraft
manufacturers decide to remove or to not install the airstair into
the airstair envelope/space at all. In other words, because an
aircraft is only cost competitive when it can fly with payload
(i.e., passengers and/or freight) while reducing its other costs
(i.e., fuel costs, etc.), if an aircraft has installed airstairs
but is not currently using them because the aircraft boards and
deplanes through a traditional jetway, then the airline may decide
to remove the airstair from the aircraft. Thus, an aircraft may
still have the airstair envelope/space, but the added weight of the
airstair is removed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The present inventors have sought ways to make the airstair
envelope space more valuable and useful, if an airstair is not
installed in that space or has been removed. In one specific
embodiment, the inventors have sought to use the airstair envelope
to house various fuel cell system components and/or electronic
items that use the fuel cell system power and other byproducts.
Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide unique
ways to incorporate and integrate a fuel cell system into an
airstair envelope. For example, embodiments include a fuel cell
system (which can be divided in sub-system) integrated in the
airstair space and that can deliver the generated electricity and
other by-products (water, electricity, oxygen depleted air, and/or
heat) for use by other aircraft applications and systems.
Embodiments also relate to other uses for the airstair space, such
as housing trash-related items, a trash compactor, a chiller,
and/or an inverter for the fuel cell, all which may be powered via
aircraft power, generator power (when on ground), or via a fuel
cell system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of an airstair envelope on an
aircraft.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of one potential
configuration for aircraft components to be positioned in an
airstair envelope.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of an aircraft through
the boarding door, illustrating the airstair space below the
passenger deck.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a location for an access
panel to aces the airstair envelope.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment for storage of aircraft
components, such as fuel cell ancillaries or fuel cell system
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A number of components on-board an aircraft require
electrical power for their activation. Many of these components are
separate from the electrical components that are actually required
to run the aircraft (i.e., the navigation system, fuel gauges,
flight controls, and hydraulic systems). For example, aircraft also
have catering equipment, heating/cooling systems, lavatories, power
seats, water heaters, heater floor panels, and other components
that require power as well.
[0012] However, one concern with these components is their energy
consumption. It may be desirable to power these systems separately,
rather than relying on the aircraft engines' drive generators or
additional power sources, such as a kerosene-burning auxiliary
power unit (APU) (or by a ground power unit if the aircraft is not
yet in flight). Additionally, use of aircraft power produces noise
and CO.sub.2 emissions, both of which are desirably reduced.
Accordingly, it is desirable to identify ways to improve fuel
efficiency and power management by providing innovative ways to
power these components. There are new ways being developed to
generate power to run on-board components, as well as to harness
beneficial by-products of that power generation for other uses
on-board aircraft.
[0013] The relatively new technology of fuel cells provides a
promising cleaner and quieter way to supplement energy sources
already aboard aircrafts. A fuel cell has several outputs in
addition to electrical power, and these other outputs often are not
utilized, but can be used to avoid loss of other usable energy
sources (such as thermal, electric and/or pneumatic power)
generated by the fuel cell system. Fuel cell systems combine a fuel
source of compressed hydrogen with oxygen in the air to produce
electrical and thermal power as a main product. Water, heat, and
Oxygen Depleted Air (ODA) are produced as by-products, which are
far less harmful than CO.sub.2 emissions from current aircraft
power generation processes. Because the proposed use of fuel cell
systems on-board aircraft and other vehicles is relatively new,
there are not always appropriate storage systems in place for the
fuel cell systems.
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention thus provide unique
storage locations for fuel cell components and identify ways to use
previously unused space on-board an aircraft. In one specific
embodiment, the airstair space 10 is used to house a fuel cell
system 12. FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of an airstair envelope 10,
positioned in the lower fuselage of an aircraft 14, which is also
shown in FIG. 3. This location may be in the front, aft, or any
other allowed location in the aircraft. FIG. 1 also shows the
location of galleys 16 and a lavatory 18 on the main level of the
aircraft. The airstair space 10 is a free envelope of space below
the main level, in the belly of the aircraft, and is present if the
airstairs are not installed or if they have been removed.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the airstair
envelope 10 that has additional components positioned therein. Fuel
cell system 12 components are provided, such as compressed hydrogen
tanks 20 and a fuel cell body 22, which form a fuel cell system 12.
FIG. 2 also shows an alternate embodiment, which uses the airstair
space 10 to contain a trash compactor 24 or trash compactor
components, a chiller 26 or chiller components, and/or an inverter
28 or inverter components, and/or any other common components used
inside a private or commercial airplane. For example, this space
may also be used to store extra pillows and blankets, extra water
or soda bottles, extra cups or other service items, compacted
trash, or any other items that can be stored and do not need to
accessed immediately.
[0016] Referring now to the fuel cell system 12 storage embodiment,
the fuel cell system 12 can have an integrated hydrogen storage or
it may have a decentralized hydrogen storage, as described in
co-pending Application No. PCT/IB2013/051984, titled "Removable
Storage for Hydrogen On-board Passenger Transport Vehicles Such as
Aircraft," filed Mar. 13, 2013, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein. The hydrogen storage could be located in
unpressurized area as well as the pressurized area of the
airstairs. Because this is free space, it provides a good location
for hydrogen tank storage.
[0017] The hydrogen storage can be liquid, gaseous or solid. As
shown, the hydrogen tanks 20 may be directly connected to a fuel
cell 22. Alternatively, the fuel cell body 22 may be located in the
airstair space 10 and connected to the hydrogen tanks (stored
elsewhere located in an area remote from the airstair space 10,
perhaps in an unpressurized area if desired or required) via tubing
or other conduit. This allows the hydrogen tanks to deliver
hydrogen to fuel cell (as well as to any other fuel cell bodies
that may be located elsewhere on the aircraft). (For example, in
one embodiment, the hydrogen tanks may deliver hydrogen to fuel
cells positioned on individual seats, as described in co-pending
Application No. PCT/IB2013/051979, titled "Vehicle Seat Powered by
Fuel Cell," filed Mar. 13, 2013, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein.)
[0018] The use of an inverter 28 to convert fuel cell power is also
an option, depending on VDC or VAC consumers. The fuel cell system
12 produces Direct Current. If Alternating Current consumers are
installed on the aircraft, then an inverter 28 may be installed in
the fuel cell system 12. The fuel cell system 12 may be
interconnected to the onboard electrical grid of the aircraft, such
that it can deliver general power that can be distributed as
needed. Alternatively, it may be autonomous and supply power
directly to the electrical consumers plugged into the fuel cell
system 12. The concept is not restricted to an existing fuel cell
technology and can be used by any future technology.
[0019] FIG. 2 also shows a trash compactor 24 positioned in the
airstair space 10. This may be an actual trash compactor or one or
more electrical or mechanical components of the compactor. FIG. 2
further shows a chiller 26 positioned in the airstair space 10. The
chiller 26 can supply cold air to one or more galleys 16 or any
other product which requires cold air. Other galley components may
have one or more components positioned in this space 10 as well. By
integrating one or more of these galley components in the space 10,
additional floor space in the galley or for adding more passenger
seats can be created and/or more food and drink products can be
stored in the saved space.
[0020] As discussed, by-products generated by the fuel cell system
12 are electricity, heat, water (H.sub.2O) and Oxygen Depleted Air.
At least one (and preferably more than one) of the fuel cell
by-products can be used by aircraft components. For example, the
by-products may be used in the galley (e.g., by ovens, chillers,
trash compactors, beverage makers, etc.), in the lavatory (e.g., to
power the flush, heat water, provide electricity for lights, etc.),
and the seat level (e.g., for seat controls, charger systems,
heated seats, etc.) and/or any other products which can used at
least one of the product generated by the fuel cell. The
configuration may be optimized as shown in FIG. 2.
[0021] One specific use of a by-product at the floor level is to
deliver the heat from the fuel cell activity to alleviate the need
for a floor warmer. Currently, heated floor panels are used to
avoid a cold feeling near the aircraft door. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, both the chiller 26 and the fuel cell system 12
produce heat. Accordingly, heat generated by one or more of these
system can be used to heat the floor. FIG. 3 shows a perspective
view through a boarding door of an aircraft, with the boarding door
removed. This figure illustrates how the floor-based components may
be positioned to take advantage of heat generated.
[0022] In a specific embodiment, the floor heating can be achieved
with heat generated by the fuel cell systems, such as hot air (gas)
and/or liquid. The heat may be delivered upwards, in order to heat
the floor and general doorway area, in lieu of using heated floor
panels. This heat rise is illustrated by the arrows marked "H." In
addition or alternatively, the heat (via air or liquid) may be
routed to the galley or lavatory sections of the aircraft, or
optionally to other areas of the cabin for use. In addition or
alternatively, the heat (via air or liquid) may be routed to the
cargo bay or other areas where the gathered heat may be useful.
[0023] FIG. 3 also shows a service panel 30 that may be integrated
into the passenger deck floor 36 in order to refill the hydrogen
tank(s) 20 or other items in airstair space 10. An overboard
discharge indicator can also be located in the service panel 30.
(It is also possible for the burst disc or overboard discharge to
be located in another location in accordance with various safety
rules, regulations, guidelines and/or airframer requirements.)
Another use for the service panel 30 is that is the airstair space
10 is used as a trash compartment and/or for trash compaction, then
the trash areas can be easily accessed for insertion and removal of
trash. Additionally, the space 10 may be used to store other items
that are useful in-flight, but that may not need to be accessed
immediately. For example, pillows and blankets, extra cups or
plates, extra drinks (water bottles, sodas, coffee grounds, and
other beverages), may be stored in this otherwise unused space as
well.
[0024] Additionally, the service panel facilitates fuel cell system
maintenance or maintenance of the trash compactor, chiller,
inverter, or any other components located in space 10. FIG. 4 shows
an example of where the access panel 30 may be located on/under the
passenger deck. The access panel 30 may have an open and closure
mechanism that is similar to a upper head cabin luggage storage
compartment. Alternatively, any other securing system for panel 30
may be used.
[0025] An alternate embodiment provides a fuel cell system
positioned above the galley 16, as shown in FIG. 5. (Although FIG.
5 shows a galley, it should be understood that space in the
lavatory ceiling may also be used.) Hydrogen is lighter than air,
and it is preferable to avoid hydrogen accumulation and create an
explosive atmosphere. Accordingly, there may also be provided a
hydrogen sensor for safety purposes and regulations. By locating
one or more components of a fuel cell system 12 between the cabin
roof 32 and aircraft skin 34, space can also be saved. In one
embodiment, all of the hydrogen tank components 20 can be installed
in the location of FIG. 5, and the electrical or other sub-systems
of the fuel cell can be installed under the floor. In another
embodiment, all components are located above the galley (or the
lavatory). In a further embodiment, all components are located in
the airstair space 10, or a combination of these options may be
used.
[0026] Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be
made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the
drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention and the following claims.
* * * * *