Galley cooling system and method of operating a galley cooling system

A galley cooling system for an aircraft includes a trolley compartment which includes a cooling unit. A first cooling fluid manifold connects to a cooling fluid outlet or a cooling fluid inlet and has a first cooling fluid manifold wall defining a portion of a lateral boundary of a receiving space of the trolley compartment. A first cooling fluid opening is in the first cooling fluid manifold wall connecting the first cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment. A second cooling fluid manifold connected to the cooling fluid inlet or outlet of the cooling unit has a second cooling fluid manifold wall defining a portion of an upper boundary of the receiving space of the trolley compartment, a second cooling fluid opening in the second cooling fluid manifold wall to connect the second cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to a galley cooling system suitable for use in an aircraft to cool trolleys containing, for example, food to be supplied to the aircraft passengers and to a method of operating a galley cooling system of this kind.

BACKGROUND

At present, in modern passenger aircraft, meals and beverages to be supplied to the aircraft passengers during flight are stored in trolleys which are accommodated in cooled compartments of galleys until they are delivered by the cabin crew. Two different systems for supplying cooling air to the items to be cooled may be used, which are described, for example, in DE 10 2010 031 909 A1 and WO 2012/025200 A1. So-called air-over systems comprise a heat-insulated cooling chamber sealed against leakages, through which flows cooling air provided by an air chiller or a cooling station of a central cooling system of the aircraft. The trolleys loaded with the items to be cooled can be pushed into the cooling chamber. Trolleys suitable for use in an air-over system are not insulated themselves, but rather have air openings which allow unhindered circulation of cooling air from the cooling chamber through the trolleys and consequently over the items held in the trolleys. By contrast, in so-called air-through systems, the trolleys are connected to the air chiller or the cooling station of the central cooling system via corresponding cooling air connections provided on the trolleys, so that the cooling air provided by the air chiller or the cooling station can be passed directly through the trolleys. To avoid losses of cooling energy, trolleys provided for use in an air-through system must be provided with heat insulation and be sealed against leakages.

A cooling arrangement wherein the air-through principle is combined with an air-over system is described in EP 2 650 216 A1 and US 2013/292102 A2. In the cooling arrangement of EP 2 650 216 A1 and US 2013/292102 A2 a cooling fluid is circulated through a trolley received within a galley compartment via a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet of the trolley. In addition thereto, the galley compartment accommodating the trolley is provided with a cooling air inlet for supplying cooling air to the compartment and a cooling air outlet for discharging the cooling air from the compartment.

SUMMARY

The disclosure herein is directed to an object of providing a galley cooling system suitable for use in an aircraft which allows cooling at least one trolley containing, for example, food to be supplied to the aircraft passengers in an effective manner and which efficiently utilizes the available installation space. Furthermore, the disclosure herein is directed to the object to specify a method of operating a galley cooling system of this kind.

This object is achieved by a galley cooling system having features disclosed herein.

A galley cooling system according to the disclosure herein which is suitable for use in an aircraft, for example, to cool food to be supplied to the aircraft passengers, but also for other purposes comprises a trolley compartment adapted to accommodate at least one trolley which may, for example, be loaded with food or other items which require appropriate cooling. Preferably, the trolley compartment forms a compartment of an aircraft galley which may be arranged in a lower section of the aircraft galley in order to allow a trolley, which typically is equipped with wheels, to be pushed into the compartment in an easy and convenient manner. The trolley compartment comprises a front side access opening and a back wall arranged opposite to the front side access opening. The trolley compartment may further comprise two outer sidewalls, which preferably extend at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the back wall and substantially parallel to each other, and a door for closing the front side access opening. Moreover, the trolley compartment may be sealed against the ambient, for example, by a sealing system described in DE 10 2010 031 909 A1 and WO 2012/025200 A1.

Furthermore, the galley cooling system comprises a cooling unit adapted to provide a cooling fluid. The cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit preferably is ambient air which, upon flowing through a heat exchanger of the cooling unit, is supplied with cooling energy and hence cooled. For example, a refrigerant which is cooled to a temperature of approximately −9° C. may be guided through the heat exchanger of the cooling unit so as to cool the cooling fluid. Preferably, the cooling unit is arranged inside the trolley compartment. It is, however, also conceivable to arrange the cooling unit outside the trolley compartment. In case the cooling unit is installed inside the trolley compartment, the cooling unit is protected from environmental influences. Furthermore, cooling energy losses occurring upon directing the cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit from an installation site outside the trolley compartment into the trolley compartment can be avoided.

The cooling unit comprises a cooling fluid outlet and a cooling fluid inlet. The cooling fluid outlet of the cooling unit may face a floor or a top wall of the trolley compartment. The cooling fluid inlet of the cooling unit may be arranged opposite to the cooling fluid outlet and hence may face the top wall or the flood of the trolley compartment. Furthermore, the cooling unit may be installed in the interior or outside of the trolley compartment with its main surfaces extending substantially parallel to at least one sidewall of the trolley compartment. The cooling unit then can be installed within the trolley compartment in a particularly space saving manner.

A first cooling fluid manifold of the galley cooling system is connected to the cooling fluid outlet or the cooling fluid inlet of the cooling unit. The first cooling fluid manifold receives the cooling fluid exiting the outlet of the cooling unit or directs cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment back to the cooling unit for being cooled again and thereafter being reused for further cooling the trolley compartment. The first cooling fluid manifold has at least one first cooling fluid manifold wall which defines at least a portion of a lateral boundary of a receiving space of the trolley compartment for receiving trolleys. In particular, the first cooling fluid manifold wall may extend substantially parallel to at least one outer sidewall of the trolley compartment.

A first cooling fluid opening is provided in the first cooling fluid manifold wall so as to connect the first cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment. Via the first cooling fluid opening, cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit may be supplied to the trolley compartment, or cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment may be discharged from the trolley compartment and directed back to the cooling unit.

The galley cooling system further comprises a second cooling fluid manifold which is connected to the cooling fluid inlet or the cooling fluid outlet of the cooling unit. Thus, in case the first cooling fluid manifold receives the cooling fluid exiting the outlet of the cooling unit, the second cooling fluid manifold directs cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment back to the cooling unit. In case the first cooling fluid manifold directs cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment back to the cooling unit, the second cooling fluid manifold receives the cooling fluid exiting the outlet of the cooling unit. The second cooling fluid manifold has a second cooling fluid manifold wall which defines at least a portion of an upper boundary of the receiving space of the trolley compartment for receiving trolleys. In particular, the second cooling fluid manifold wall may extend substantially parallel to an outer top wall of the trolley compartment.

A second cooling fluid opening is provided in the second cooling fluid manifold wall so as to connect the second cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment. Thus, in case the first cooling fluid opening is used for supplying cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit to the trolley compartment, the second cooling fluid opening is used for discharging cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment from the trolley compartment and directing the heated cooling fluid back to the cooling unit. In case the first cooling fluid opening is used for discharging cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment from the trolley compartment and directing the heated cooling fluid back to the cooling unit, the second cooling fluid opening is used for supplying cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit to the trolley compartment. The first and/or the second cooling fluid opening(s) may be designed in the form of a slit or may comprise a plurality of slits or openings distributed across the first and/or the second cooling fluid manifold.

In the galley cooling system, the cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit is supplied the trolley compartment via of a cooling fluid opening which may be arranged in the first cooling fluid manifold wall of the first cooling fluid manifold or in the second cooling fluid manifold wall of the second cooling fluid manifold. Furthermore, cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment is discharged from the trolley compartment and directed back to the cooling unit via a cooling fluid opening which may be arranged in the second cooling fluid manifold wall of the second cooling fluid manifold or in the first cooling fluid manifold wall of the first cooling fluid manifold. Hence, in the galley cooling system, a cooling fluid manifold extending along the back wall of the trolley compartment, i.e. through a rear part of the trolley compartment, as well as a cooling fluid opening arranged in the region of the back wall of the trolley compartment can be dispensed with. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in case the installation space in the region of the back wall of the trolley compartment is limited, for example in case the entire depth of the trolley compartment in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the trolley compartment should be used for accommodating trolleys.

In a preferred embodiment of the galley cooling system, the first cooling fluid manifold is arranged adjacent to a first outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. The receiving space of the trolley compartment, in a lateral direction, then is defined by the first cooling fluid manifold wall and the second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. Alternatively, the first cooling fluid manifold may be arranged in an interior of the trolley compartment at a distance from the first and the second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. The first cooling fluid manifold then separates the trolley compartment into a first and a second receiving space. The first cooling fluid manifold wall may extend substantially parallel to the first outer sidewall, in particular substantially parallel to the first and a second outer sidewall and substantially perpendicular to the floor and/or the outer top wall of the trolley compartment.

The first cooling fluid opening may be provided in a region of the first cooling fluid manifold wall which is arranged adjacent to a floor of the trolley compartment, i.e. in the region of a lower limitation of the receiving space of the trolley compartment. Since the second cooling fluid manifold wall defines an upper boundary of the receiving space of the trolley compartment, the second cooling fluid opening is provided in the region of an upper limitation of the receiving space of the trolley compartment anyway. In case the first cooling fluid opening is used to supply cooling fluid to the trolley compartment, whereas cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment is discharged from the trolley compartment via the second cooling fluid opening, cooled cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit may be guided into a lower region of the trolley compartment, whereas cooling fluid which has been heated due to the transfer of thermal energy from a trolley arranged within the trolley compartment is discharged from an upper region of the trolley compartment. The direction of flow of the cooling fluid then may follow a direction of flow induced by thermal convection allowing a conveying device for conveying the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment to be operated in an efficient manner.

The second cooling fluid manifold may be integrated into a work desk of an aircraft galley. In particular, the second cooling fluid manifold may be defined between the second cooling fluid manifold wall defines an upper boundary of the receiving space of the trolley compartment and the outer top wall of the trolley compartment, wherein the assembly comprising the second cooling fluid manifold with the second cooling fluid manifold wall and the outer top wall of the trolley compartment form the work desk of the aircraft galley, and wherein an outer surface of the outer top wall of the trolley compartment defines a working surface of the work desk. A second cooling fluid manifold which is integrated into a work desk of an aircraft galley can be designed in a space saving manner, in particularly without using installation space in the region of the back wall of the trolley compartment.

The second cooling fluid manifold may be connected to the cooling fluid inlet or the cooling fluid outlet of the cooling unit via a connecting manifold having a connecting manifold wall defining at least a portion of the lateral boundary of the trolley compartment. In particular, the connecting manifold wall may extend substantially parallel to at least one of the outer sidewalls of the trolley compartment, and substantially perpendicular to the floor and/or the outer top wall of the trolley compartment.

In a preferred embodiment of the galley cooling system, the connecting manifold is arranged adjacent to the first outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. The receiving space of the trolley compartment, in a lateral direction, then is defined by the connecting manifold wall, preferably together with the first cooling fluid manifold, and the second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. Alternatively, the connecting manifold may be arranged in an interior of the trolley compartment at a distance from the first and the second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. The connecting manifold, preferably together with the first cooling fluid manifold, then separates the trolley compartment into the first and the second receiving space. For example, the connecting manifold may separate upper regions of the first and the second receiving space of the trolley compartment which are disposed adjacent to the top wall of the trolley compartment, whereas the first cooling fluid manifold may separate lower regions of the first and the second receiving space of the trolley compartment which are disposed adjacent to the floor of the trolley compartment.

The galley cooling system may comprise a control unit, in particular an electronic control unit, for controlling the supply of cooling fluid to the trolley compartment. For example, the control unit may be adapted to control a conveying device for conveying the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment, wherein the conveying device may be designed in the form of a blower or fan. Furthermore, the control unit may be adapted to control further flow guiding elements such as, for example, valves or movable flow deflecting elements.

The trolley compartment may in particular be designed so as to receive a plurality of trolleys arranged one behind another in a row with their sidewalls extending substantially parallel to the sidewalls of the trolley compartment. The trolley compartment then is particularly suitable for use in the galley of a modern passenger aircraft, wherein the crew faces increased catering volumes due to the large number of passengers on board the aircraft. For example, the trolley compartment may be designed so as to receive three standard half-sized trolleys arranged in a row one behind another. Alternatively or additionally thereto, the trolley compartment may be designed so as to receive a plurality of trolleys arranged side by side with their sidewalls extending substantially parallel to the sidewalls of the trolley compartment. In a preferred embodiment of the galley cooling system, the trolley compartment is designed so as to receive four rows of standard half-sized trolleys in a side by side arrangement, wherein the sidewalls of the trolleys extend substantially parallel to the sidewalls of the trolley compartment.

The cooling unit of the galley cooling system may be designed in the form of an autonomously working air chiller. Preferably, however, the cooling unit is designed in the form of a cooling station which is connected to a central refrigerating device of a central cooling system of the aircraft, for example via a suitable cooling circuit which allows the circulation of a liquid refrigerant therethrough. The cooling unit then may be of a particularly compact design. Furthermore, noise occurring during operation of an air chiller can be avoided.

The cooling unit may be arranged inside the trolley compartment adjacent to the first cooling fluid manifold. In particular, the cooling unit may be arranged between the first cooling fluid manifold and the connecting manifold. The first cooling fluid manifold wall and/or the connecting manifold wall may extend substantially flush with a main surface of the cooling unit.

The first cooling fluid manifold may comprise two first cooling fluid manifold walls facing the first and the second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment, respectively. A first cooling fluid opening may be provided in each of the first cooling fluid manifold walls so as to connect the first cooling fluid manifold to the first and the second receiving space of the trolley compartment, respectively. The second cooling fluid manifold may comprise a first portion associated with the first receiving space of the trolley compartment and a second portion associated with the second receiving space of the trolley compartment. A second cooling fluid opening may be provided in each of second cooling fluid manifold wall portions associated with the first and the second portion of the second cooling fluid manifold so as to connect the second cooling fluid manifold to the first and the second receiving space of the trolley compartment, respectively.

In a method, according to the disclosure herein, of operating a galley cooling system suitable for use in an aircraft, a cooling fluid is provided to a trolley compartment by a cooling unit, the trolley compartment comprising a front side access opening and a back wall arranged opposite to the front side access opening. The cooling unit comprises a cooling fluid outlet and a cooling fluid inlet. The cooling fluid is directed through a first cooling fluid manifold connected to the cooling fluid outlet or the cooling fluid inlet of the cooling unit and having at least one first cooling fluid manifold wall defining at least a portion of a lateral boundary of a receiving space of the trolley compartment. A first cooling fluid opening is provided in the first cooling fluid manifold wall so as to connect the first cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment. Furthermore, the cooling fluid is directed through a second cooling fluid manifold connected to the cooling fluid inlet or the cooling fluid outlet of the cooling unit and having a second cooling fluid manifold wall defining at least a portion of an upper boundary of a receiving space of the trolley compartment. A second cooling fluid opening is provided in the second cooling fluid manifold wall so as to connect the second cooling fluid manifold to the receiving space of the trolley compartment.

Cooling fluid may be directed through a first cooling fluid manifold arranged adjacent to a first outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. Alternatively, cooling fluid may be directed through a first cooling fluid manifold arranged in an interior of the trolley compartment at a distance from the first and a second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment. The first cooling fluid manifold may be connected to the receiving space of the trolley compartment via a first cooling fluid opening provided in a region of the first cooling manifold wall which is arranged adjacent to a floor of the trolley compartment. The cooling fluid may also be directed through a second cooling fluid manifold which is integrated into a work desk of an aircraft galley.

The cooling fluid may be directed through a connecting manifold connecting the second cooling fluid manifold to the cooling fluid inlet or the cooling fluid outlet of the cooling unit. The connecting manifold may have a connecting manifold wall defining at least a portion of the lateral boundary of the receiving space of the trolley compartment. The connecting manifold may be arranged adjacent to the first outer sidewall of the trolley compartment in an interior of the trolley compartment at a distance from the first and a second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment.

The cooling fluid may be provided by a cooling unit designed in the form of a cooling station which is connectable to a central refrigerating device of a central cooling system of the aircraft. The cooling fluid may be provided by a cooling unit arranged inside the trolley compartment adjacent to the first cooling fluid manifold and in particular between the first cooling fluid manifold and the connecting manifold.

The cooling fluid may be directed through a first cooling fluid manifold comprising two first cooling fluid manifold walls facing the first and the second outer sidewall of the trolley compartment respectively, wherein a first cooling fluid opening may be provided in each of the first cooling fluid manifold walls so as to connect the first cooling fluid manifold to a first and a second receiving space of the trolley compartment, respectively. The cooling fluid may be directed through a second cooling fluid manifold comprising a first portion associated with the first receiving space of the trolley compartment and a second portion associated with the second receiving space of the trolley compartment. A second cooling fluid opening may be provided in each of second cooling fluid manifold wall portions associated with the first and the second portion of the second cooling fluid manifold so as to connect the second cooling fluid manifold to the first and the second receiving space of the trolley compartment, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a galley cooling system10suitable for use in an aircraft galley. The galley cooling system10comprises a cooling unit12which is adapted to provide a cooling fluid. The cooling unit12is designed in the form of a cooling station which is connected to a central refrigerating device13of a central cooling system of the aircraft via a suitable cooling circuit (not shown) allowing the circulation of a liquid refrigerant therethrough. The cooling unit12is adapted to provide a cooling fluid in the form of cooled ambient air. In particular, ambient air enters the cooling unit12via a cooling unit inlet14and, in the cooling unit12, is guided through a heat exchanger (not shown). Upon flowing through the heat exchanger of the cooling unit12, the ambient air is cooled and exits the cooling unit12at a cooling unit outlet16with a desired low temperature.

The galley cooling system10further comprises a trolley compartment18. The trolley compartment18comprises a front side access opening20, a back wall22which is arranged opposite to the front side access opening20and two outer sidewalls24,26. The outer sidewalls24,26of the trolley compartment18extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the back wall22. The trolley compartment18further comprises a door (not shown) which is adapted to close the front side access opening20of the trolley compartment18in a sealed manner.

The trolley compartment18is designed so as to receive twelve half-sized trolleys28a,28b,28c,28d. Three trolleys28aare arranged one behind another in a first row with their sidewalls30a,31aextending substantially parallel to the outer sidewalls24,26of the trolley compartment18. Moreover, three trolleys28bare arranged one behind another in a second row with their sidewalls30b,31bextending substantially parallel to the outer sidewalls24,26of the trolley compartment18. Three trolleys28care arranged one behind another in a third row with their sidewalls30c,31cextending substantially parallel to the outer sidewalls24,26of the trolley compartment18, and three trolleys28dare arranged one behind another in a fourth row with their sidewalls30d,31dextending substantially parallel to the outer sidewalls24,26of the trolley compartment18.

In the embodiment of a galley cooling system10according toFIG. 1, a first cooling fluid manifold32is connected to the cooling fluid outlet16of the cooling unit12. The first cooling fluid manifold32extends adjacent to the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18substantially perpendicular to a floor34and a outer top wall36of the trolley compartment18and has a first cooling fluid manifold wall38defining a portion of a lateral boundary of a receiving space60of the trolley compartment18, the receiving space60being adapted for accommodating the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28d. Specifically, the first cooling fluid manifold wall38extends substantially parallel to the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. Hence, the first cooling fluid manifold32is defined by the first cooling fluid manifold wall38and the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. Since the first and the second outer sidewall24,26extend substantially parallel to each other, the first cooling fluid manifold wall38extends substantially parallel also to the second outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. Specifically, the first cooling fluid manifold wall38extends flush with a main surface of the cooling unit12facing an interior of the trolley compartment18. In the embodiment of a galley cooling system10depicted in the drawings, the first cooling fluid manifold32extends from the cooling fluid outlet16of the cooling unit12in the direction of the floor34of the trolley compartment18.

A first cooling fluid opening40is provided in the first cooling fluid manifold wall38so as to connect the first cooling fluid manifold32to the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. In the embodiment of a galley cooling system10according toFIG. 1, the first cooling fluid opening40serves to supply cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit12to the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. In particular, the first cooling fluid opening40is provided in a lower region of the first cooling fluid manifold wall38, i.e. a region of the first cooling fluid manifold wall38which is arranged adjacent to the floor34of the trolley compartment18, and extends over at least two thirds of the depth of the trolley compartment18.

The galley cooling system10further comprises a second cooling fluid manifold42which, in the embodiment of a galley cooling system10according toFIG. 1, is connected to the cooling fluid inlet14of the cooling unit12. The second cooling fluid manifold42has a second cooling fluid manifold wall44defining an upper boundary of the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. A second cooling fluid opening46is provided so as to connect the second cooling fluid manifold42to the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. Specifically, the second cooling fluid opening46is defined by a plurality of slit-shaped openings formed in the second cooling fluid manifold wall44. In the embodiment of a galley cooling system10according toFIG. 1, the second cooling fluid opening46serves to discharge cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit12to the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. Thus, cooling fluid heated upon flowing through the trolley compartment18and taking up heat from the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28dreceived within the trolley compartment18is circulated back to the cooling unit12via the second cooling fluid manifold42.

The second cooling fluid manifold42extends substantially parallel to the outer top wall36of the trolley compartment18with the second cooling fluid opening46facing the interior of the trolley compartment18. Thus, the second cooling fluid opening46is provided in an upper region of the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. In particular, the second cooling fluid manifold42is integrated into a work desk of the aircraft galley with the second cooling fluid manifold wall44separating the second cooling fluid manifold42from the interior of the trolley compartment18and an inner surface of the outer top wall36of the trolley compartment18forming an upper limitation of the second cooling fluid manifold42. An outer surface of the outer top wall36of the trolley compartment18defines a working surface of the work desk.

The second cooling fluid manifold42is connected to the cooling fluid inlet14of the cooling unit12via a connecting manifold48. The connecting manifold48comprises a connecting manifold wall50which defines a portion of the lateral boundary of the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. The connecting manifold48is arranged adjacent to the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18and the connecting manifold wall50extends substantially parallel to the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. Hence, the connecting manifold48is defined by the connecting manifold wall50and the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment. Since the first and the second outer sidewall24,26extend substantially parallel to each other, the connecting manifold wall38extends substantially parallel also to the second outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. Specifically, the connecting manifold wall50extends flush with the main surface of the cooling unit12facing the interior of the trolley compartment18from the cooling fluid inlet14of the cooling unit12in the direction of the outer top wall36to the second cooling fluid manifold42.

The cooling unit12is arranged inside the trolley compartment18adjacent to the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18and between the first cooling fluid manifold32and the connecting manifold48. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange the cooling unit12, the first cooling fluid manifold32and the connecting manifold48inside the trolley compartment18adjacent to the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18. Finally, the galley cooling system10may comprise two cooling units12, two first cooling fluid manifolds32and two connecting manifolds48, wherein an assembly comprising a cooling unit12, a first cooling fluid manifold32and a connecting manifold48may be arranged adjacent to a respective one of the first and the second outer sidewall24,26.

In the galley cooling system10according toFIG. 1, the cooling unit12, the first cooling fluid manifold32and the connecting manifold48are installed adjacent to the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18and the second cooling fluid manifold42is arranged adjacent to the outer top wall36of the trolley compartment18. As a result, the entire depth of the trolley compartment18can be used for accommodating the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28d. The galley cooling system10therefore is particularly advantageous for use on board a passenger aircraft with high catering demands, for example due to a high number of passengers being present on board the aircraft.

The flow of cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18is controlled by a control unit52. In particular, the control unit52serves to control the operation of a conveying device (not shown) for conveying the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18. The conveying device maybe designed in the form of a blower of a fan. Furthermore, the control unit52may be used to control further devices for controlling the flow of the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18such as, for example, valves, flow deflecting elements and the like.

As becomes apparent fromFIG. 1, the control unit52controls a volume flow, a speed and a direction of flow of the cooling fluid supplied to the trolley compartment18from the cooling unit12in such a manner that the cooling fluid entering the trolley compartment18via the first cooling fluid opening40is guided through a lower region of the trolley compartment18in the direction of the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18. Upon reaching the second outer sidewall26, the cooling fluid flow is deflected about approximately 90° and flows across an inner surface of the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18. Thereafter, it is again deflected about approximately 90° and flows across an inner surface of the second cooling fluid manifold wall44which faces the interior of the trolley compartment18in the direction of the second cooling fluid opening46provided in the second cooling fluid manifold wall44.

Hence, when trolleys28a,28b,28c,28dare accommodated within the trolley compartment18, the cooling fluid is guided across an outer surface of bottom walls54a,54b,54c,54dof the trolleys28a,28b,28,28c,28d. Thereafter, the cooling fluid is guided across an outer surface of the sidewalls31a,31b,31c,31dof the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28dwhich face away from the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. Finally, the cooling fluid is guided across an outer surface of top walls56a,56b,56c,56dof the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28d.

As becomes apparent fromFIG. 1, the flow of cooling fluid, under the control of the control unit52, after flowing across the outer surface of the bottom wall54aof the trolleys28aarranged adjacent to the first cooling fluid opening40is divided into a first partial flow and a second partial flow. The first partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided is through a gap58aexisting between the trolleys28a,28bsuch that the first partial flow of the cooling fluid flows across adjacent sidewalls31a,30bof the trolleys28a,28b. After passing through the gap58abetween the adjacent trolleys28a,28b, the first partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided across the outer surface of the top wall54aof the trolleys28aarranged adjacent to the first cooling fluid opening40and finally enters the second cooling fluid opening46. The second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the bottom wall52bof the trolleys28b. After passing the outer surface of the bottom wall52bof the trolleys28b, a third partial flow of cooling fluid branches of from the second partial flow of cooling fluid and flows through a gap58bexisting between the trolleys28b,28csuch that the third partial flow of the cooling fluid flows across adjacent sidewalls31b,30cof the trolleys28b,28c. After passing through the gap58bbetween the adjacent trolleys28b,28c, the third partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided across the outer surface of the top wall54bof the trolleys28band finally enters the second cooling fluid opening46.

The second partial flow flows further across the outer surface of the bottom wall52cof the trolleys28c. After passing the outer surface of the bottom wall52cof the trolleys28c, a fourth partial flow of cooling fluid branches of from the second partial flow of cooling fluid and flows through a gap58cexisting between the trolleys28c,28dsuch that the fourth partial flow of the cooling fluid flows across adjacent sidewalls31c,30dof the trolleys28c,28d. After passing through the gap58cbetween the adjacent trolleys28c,28d, the third partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided across the outer surface of the top wall54cof the trolleys28cand finally enters the second cooling fluid opening46. Finally, the second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the bottom wall52dof the trolleys28dand thereafter enters a gap58dexisting between the sidewall31dof the trolleys28dand the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18. After passing the gap58d, the second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the top wall54dof the trolleys28dbefore it is discharged from the trolley compartment18via the second cooling fluid opening46.

Although not indicated in the drawings, a further partial flow of the cooling fluid develops in the region between the first cooling fluid manifold wall38and the sidewalls30aof the trolleys28a, although this partial flow might be disturbed to a certain extent by the supply of cooling fluid via the cooling supply opening40and the discharge of cooling fluid via the second cooling fluid opening46. In addition, cooling fluid flows develop between the door of the trolley compartment18and a front wall of the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28darranged adjacent to the door as well as between the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28darranged in row one behind the other, i.e. between a back wall of a trolley28a,28b,28c,28darranged closer to the trolley compartment door and a front wall of a trolley28a,28b,28c,28darranged further remote from the trolley compartment door. Finally, cooling fluid also flows through a gap existing between back walls of trolleys28a,28b,28c,28dand a back wall of the trolley compartment18.

The galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 2differs from the arrangement according toFIG. 1in that the cooling unit12and the first cooling fluid manifold32are no longer arranged adjacent to one of the sidewalls24,26of the trolley compartment18, but instead are arranged in the interior of the trolley compartment18at a distance from the first and the second outer sidewall24,26, i.e. in such a manner that the cooling unit12and the first cooling fluid manifold32separate a first and a second receiving space60a,60bprovided in the trolley compartment18for receiving the trolleys28a,28b,28c,28d. In particular, the first cooling fluid manifold32comprises a first cooling fluid manifold wall38afacing the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18and a further first cooling fluid manifold wall38bfacing the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18. A first cooling fluid opening40ais provided in the first cooling fluid manifold wall38a. Via the first cooling fluid opening40a, cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit12is supplied to the first receiving space60aof the trolley compartment18. Moreover, a further first cooling fluid opening40bis provided in the further first cooling fluid manifold wall38b. Via the further first cooling fluid opening40b, cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit12is supplied to the second receiving space60bof the trolley compartment18.

The second cooling fluid manifold42comprises a first portion42aassociated with the first receiving space60aof the trolley compartment18and a second portion42bassociated with the second receiving space60bof the trolley compartment18. A second cooling fluid opening46ais provided in a second cooling fluid manifold wall portion44aassociated with the first portion42aof the second cooling fluid manifold42so that cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the first receiving space60aof the trolley compartment18can be discharged from the first receiving space60aof the trolley compartment18via the second cooling fluid opening46a. A further second cooling fluid opening46bis provided in a second cooling fluid manifold wall portion44bassociated with the second portion42bof the second cooling fluid manifold42. Hence, cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the second receiving space60bof the trolley compartment18can be discharged from the second receiving space60bof the trolley compartment18via the further second cooling fluid opening46b. In the upper region of the trolley compartment18adjacent to the trolley compartment's18outer top wall36, the first and the second receiving space60a,60b, i.e. upper regions thereof which are disposed adjacent to the second cooling fluid manifold42are separated from each other by the connecting manifold48. Thus, similar to the first cooling fluid manifold32, also the connecting manifold48now comprises a first connecting manifold wall50awhich faces the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18and a second connecting manifold wall50bwhich faces the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18.

Under the control of the control unit52, a first flow of cooling fluid exits the first cooling fluid opening40aand flows through a lower region of the trolley compartment18in the direction of the first outer sidewall24. After flowing across the outer surface of the bottom wall54bof the trolleys28barranged adjacent to the first cooling fluid opening40a, the flow of cooling fluid is divided into a first partial flow and a second partial flow. The first partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided is through the gap58aexisting between the trolleys28a,28bsuch that the first partial flow of the cooling fluid flows across adjacent sidewalls31a,30bof the trolleys28a,28b. After passing through the gap58abetween the adjacent trolleys28a,28b, the first partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided across the outer surface of the top wall54bof the trolleys28barranged adjacent to the first cooling fluid opening40aand finally enters the second cooling fluid opening46a.

The second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the bottom wall52aof the trolleys28a. After passing the outer surface of the bottom wall52aof the trolleys28a, the second partial flow flows enters a gap58eexisting between the sidewall30aof the trolleys28aand the first outer sidewall24of the trolley compartment18. After passing the gap58e, the second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the top wall54aof the trolleys28abefore it is discharged from the trolley compartment18via the second cooling fluid opening46a.

To the contrary, a second flow of cooling fluid exits the further first cooling fluid opening40band flows through a lower region of the trolley compartment18in the direction of the second outer sidewall26. After flowing across the outer surface of the bottom wall54cof the trolleys28carranged adjacent to the further first cooling fluid opening40b, the flow of cooling fluid is divided into a first partial flow and a second partial flow. The first partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided is through the gap58cexisting between the trolleys28c,28dsuch that the first partial flow of the cooling fluid flows across adjacent sidewalls31c,30dof the trolleys28c,28d. After passing through the gap58cbetween the adjacent trolleys28c,28d, the first partial flow of the cooling fluid is guided across the outer surface of the top wall54cof the trolleys28carranged adjacent to the further first cooling fluid opening40band finally enters the further second cooling fluid opening46b.

The second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the bottom wall52dof the trolleys28d. After passing the outer surface of the bottom wall52dof the trolleys28d, the second partial flow flows enters the gap58dexisting between the sidewall31dof the trolleys28dand the second outer sidewall26of the trolley compartment18. After passing the gap58d, the second partial flow flows across the outer surface of the top wall54dof the trolleys28dbefore it is discharged from the trolley compartment18via the further second cooling fluid opening46b. Otherwise the structure and the function of the galley cooling system10according toFIG. 2correspond to the structure and the function of the arrangement shown inFIG. 1.

The galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 3differs from the arrangement according toFIG. 1in that the first cooling fluid manifold32now is connected to the cooling fluid inlet14of the cooling unit12, whereas the second cooling fluid manifold42is connected to the cooling fluid outlet16of the cooling unit12. Thus, in the arrangement ofFIG. 3, the second cooling fluid opening46provided in the second cooling fluid manifold wall44is used for supplying cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit12to the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. Cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment18is discharged from the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18via the first cooling fluid opening40provided in the first cooling fluid manifold wall38.

As a result, in the galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 3, the direction of flow of the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18is reversed as compared to the direction of flow of the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18in the galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 1. Otherwise the structure and the function of the galley cooling system10according toFIG. 3correspond to the structure and the function of the arrangement shown inFIG. 1.

The galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 4differs from the arrangement according toFIG. 2in that the first cooling fluid manifold32now is connected to the cooling fluid inlet14of the cooling unit12, whereas the second cooling fluid manifold42is connected to the cooling fluid outlet16of the cooling unit12. Thus, in the arrangement ofFIG. 4, the second cooling fluid opening46provided in the second cooling fluid manifold wall44is used for supplying cooling fluid provided by the cooling unit12to the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18. Cooling fluid heated upon circulating through the trolley compartment18is discharged from the receiving space60of the trolley compartment18via the first cooling fluid opening40provided in the first cooling fluid manifold wall38.

As a result, in the galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 4, the direction of flow of the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18is reversed as compared to the direction of flow of the cooling fluid through the trolley compartment18in the galley cooling system10depicted inFIG. 2. Otherwise the structure and the function of the galley cooling system10according toFIG. 4correspond to the structure and the function of the arrangement shown inFIG. 2.

While specific features of the galley cooling system10herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments of the galley cooling system10, these features can be combined as desired.