Abstract:
Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure. When it is determined that reduced oxygen concentration is required in the occupant cabin, the reservoired high-concentration nitrogen is moved into the passenger cabin diluting the oxygen-elevated environment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/447,327 filed 15 Feb. 2003 pursuant to 37 CFR 1.53(c). 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to systems and methods for selective control of the balance between nitrogen and oxygen content in the air in habitable and non-habitable areas of pressurized spaces within aircraft. More particularly, the invention relates to systems to alter the balance between oxygen and nitrogen in different areas of aircraft to create zones where the atmospheric composition more properly supports the needs of the zones. The invention accomplishes this zonal composition optimization by directing a higher percentage of the oxygen available in the air entering the aircraft into the habitable areas, while directing a higher percentage of the available nitrogen in the air into the non-habitable areas, especially those areas of greater flammability risk and/or limited access in case of fire.  
         [0004]     2. Background Information  
         [0005]     The reduced air pressure available in pressurized aircraft cabins results in molecular concentrations of oxygen that are far lower than those for which most passengers are physiologically adapted. This causes reduced levels of blood and tissue oxygenation (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and the initiation of physiological changes related to the body&#39;s efforts to compensate and adapt. The resulting physiological stresses include reduced respiratory effectiveness, compensatory increases in heart and respiration rates, increased levels of blood clotting factors, and increased production of red blood cells. These physiological changes result in, or contribute to, a variety of negative impacts, including but not limited to fatigue, reduced mental and physical performance, drowsiness, impaired visual acuity, impaired sleep, and possibly the formation of blood clots. In fact, it is well accepted that visual acuity has begun to fall off as early as 7500 feet, yet commercial airlines are legally permitted to maintain pressures equivalent to 8000 feet within the aircraft. As such, a certain compromise in the flight crew&#39;s capabilities have been determined acceptable, though not desirable. The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing, if not obviating, these and other detrimental affects suffered by passengers and flight crew on civilian aircraft.  
         [0006]     Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7 psia. The corresponding oxygen pressure (partial-pressure) at sea level is approximately 3.07 psia. When atmospheric pressure is reduced, air expands and the molecular concentration of oxygen and the other gases that make up air are proportionately reduced according to Dalton&#39;s Law.  
         [0007]     Pressurized aircraft cabins provide air pressures ranging from approximately 10.91 psia (8000 ft equivalent cabin altitude) to 11.78 psia (6000 ft equivalent cabin altitude) when the aircraft are operating at their maximum cruise altitudes. These reduced cabin pressures result in oxygen partial pressures ranging (approximately) from 2.286 to 2.468 psia.  
         [0008]     Aircraft pressurization systems maintain cabin pressure levels that allow passenger and crew habitation while the aircraft flies at altitudes far above those at which human beings could otherwise survive. Current pressurization systems maintain cabin air pressures between 74-80% of the standard sea level atmospheric pressure.  
         [0009]     As a prophylactic against unexpected low-pressure experiences, and consequently low-oxygen conditions which could adversely affect performance, cockpit crew members are provided with pressure demand oxygen masks for use when the aircraft is unable to maintain adequate pressurization. The sources of direct oxygen may also be used in case smoke fills the cockpit, or under certain other scenarios as required by civil aviation regulations.  
         [0010]     Emergency oxygen is provided in the passenger cabin in the form of drop down masks that activate automatically when air pressure in the cabin falls to levels at which passenger safety is at imminent risk. Therapeutic oxygen outlets are sometimes provided for use by passengers who require continuous supplemental oxygen due to medical conditions. Aircraft are also often equipped with portable “walk-around” oxygen bottles for the crew to use during brief periods when their duties require them to leave their seats while the aircraft is experiencing pressurization problems. A common problem of all of these supplemental oxygen delivery systems, however, is that they require tubes connected between an oxygen source and the delivery mask for the user. Such tubes, like other cords in the occupied compartments of an aircraft, have been recognized as hazards, particularly in emergency situations. It can be imagined that in an emergency situation where the environment is already chaotic, the deployment of potentially entangling oxygen delivery tubes and masks, including their elastic securement straps, detrimentally impacts the cabin environment.  
         [0011]     As indicated above, conventional wisdom in aircraft design has focused on pressurization with regard to increasing the habitability of aircraft cabins. Traditionally, aircraft are pressured toward a sea-level equivalent; but in actuality, altitude equivalents on the order of 6000 to 8000 feet are actually achieved. Resultantly, a corresponding decrease in oxygen concentration has been accepted. Because these corresponding oxygen concentrations are generally suitable for maintaining perceivable occupant comfort, little attention has been directed toward consequential affects suffered by cabin occupants.  
         [0012]     “Perceived comfort” is addressed because most passengers are unaware that certain physiological changes take place responsive to reduced oxygen concentration experienced onboard aircraft, including increased respiratory and heart rates. It is for this reason that many persons are advised not to fly. For instance, persons who have recently undergone surgery which makes them particularly vulnerable to these physiological changes may be advised not to fly. Still further, persons having predispositions to such ailments as heart attacks and strokes are often advised not to fly by their medical caretakers. Elderly persons, and others with unappreciated risk factors for such ailments do fly, but resultantly place themselves at undue risk of suffering a debilitating, or life-threatening incident. It is known that the decreased concentration of oxygen in aircraft have the potential for contributing to these incidents, but as discussed above, aircraft pressurization limitations have been heretofore viewed as a limiting constraint against their remedy.  
         [0013]     The focus on pressure is due, at least in part, to the fact that airframes are not designed to accept greater levels of pressurization, which in turn produce greater differential pressures across the fuselage skin. In fact, this limitation associated with the airframe&#39;s capabilities to endure greater pressure differentials thereacross has traditionally imposed reduced oxygen levels on passengers because of the heretofore accepted limitation on pressurization. Still further, aircraft operators are resistant to increasing interior pressurization because it significantly increases operating costs and limits aircraft performance.  
         [0014]     Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a syndrome or condition which has recently garnered increased attention with respect to airline travel, poses significant risk to cabin occupants, as well as those businesses that are tied in with the industry. Because the incidence of deep vein thrombosis has caught the eye of the public, the press has capitalized thereupon and dubbed the syndrome as “economy class syndrome.” Heretofore, the focus has been on the confining and cramped nature of airline seats, particularly in economy class, and the restrictions that are resultantly imposed upon passenger mobility. Certain studies, however, have indicated that the cramped nature of smaller seats only contribute to the inducement of deep van thrombosis rather than cause it. In fact, those same studies tend to indicate that this malady stems primarily from other conditions experienced during airline travel.  
         [0015]     Those factors which are either known or expected to contribute to the inducement of deep vein thrombosis include mobility restrictions which correspondingly reduce blood flow movements thereby placing a person at higher risk for forming blood clots, dehydration caused by the dry interior atmosphere of the aircraft and which can be exacerbated by the diuretic-effects of alcohol, and pressure related aspects. An increased tendency to develop blood clots as a result of conditions on an airliner are the hallmark of this syndrome. One aspect of great importance, but which has attracted less attention, is physiological effects caused by altitude adaptation. When exposed to reduced pressure and a corresponding reduction in oxygen concentration, the body immediately attempts to compensate. This phenomenon is well appreciated at least by athletes who often train at high altitudes to enhance their performance at lower altitudes. It is known that the body adjusts by making certain physical changes. Among others, the concentration of red blood cells is increased thereby improving the capacity for carrying oxygen. For airline passengers, the effect, however, is detrimental. It has been observed that persons who are exposed to the reduced pressure and oxygen levels that are experienced in-flight have a substantially immediate increase in certain clotting factors within their blood. This increase has been measured to vary between three and eight times the level present in persons immediately before flight. Such a high level response is equivalent to that which the body undergoes as a reaction to significant trauma or injury.  
         [0016]     A hallmark of the present invention(s) is the previously unappreciated connection between the reduction in oxygen concentration experienced in-flight and the increased blood clotting factors that result and which ultimately impact the incidence of deep vein thrombosis suffered as a result of airline travel.  
         [0017]     The invention also addresses fatigue, comfort and physiological stress issues which result from the practical limitations of aircraft pressurization systems, which existing oxygen delivery and control systems are either incapable of addressing or are not suitably configured.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0018]     In exemplary embodiments, the present invention takes the form of an apparatus and method for controlling the oxygen concentration in aircraft cabins and non-habitable areas by proportionately increasing the oxygen content of the air going to the cabin while at the same time proportionately decreasing the oxygen content of air going to non-habitable areas. The apparatus incorporates redundant oxygen and pressure sensors to monitor the oxygen concentration in the cabin air. Oxygen content is continually monitored and adjusted to achieve and maintain an atmosphere in the passenger cabin that is sufficiently oxygen enriched to address the oxygen related impacts of reduced air pressure, while limiting the degree of oxygen enrichment to prevent the creation of an atmosphere that increases material flammability above safe and certifiable levels. At the same time, the apparatus continually monitors the oxygen content in non-habitable pressurized areas to maintain an atmosphere with reduced ability to sustain combustion, and to allow storage of a nitrogen cache for use in re-balancing the cabin oxygen/nitrogen balance to natural levels in case of smoke/fire detection in the cabin.  
         [0019]     The invention alters the gas composition of the cabin air to increase the partial pressure of oxygen. The increased partial pressure of oxygen is achieved without altering the cabin air pressure or the differential pressure between the interior and exterior of the fuselage, and without increasing the overall content of oxygen inside the pressure vessel of the aircraft. The cabin partial pressure of oxygen is monitored and adjusted continuously to provide the desired atmospheric oxygen enrichment while preventing the creation of an atmosphere which increases material flammability in the cabin above FAA approved levels. In this regard, it should be pointed out that the concentration of oxygen will always be less than that encountered naturally at sea level, and therefore an inherently acceptable concentration for safe operation.  
         [0020]     In at least one embodiment, the generation of oxygen has as a byproduct thereof the generation of flame-inhibiting nitrogen. In another aspect of the present invention(s), this byproduct-nitrogen is supplied to areas and/or compartments of the aircraft particularly susceptible to fire hazards. For instance, the nitrogen can be injected into the cabling ducts, baggage compartment, radio rack compartments, as well as other areas where electrical wiring and other high-fire-risk assemblies are concentrated. The nitrogen may also be reservoired for distribution to burning or smoldering areas should onboard combustion occur. In a further aspect, the current invention contemplates providing the capability for rapidly inter-mixing the reservoired nitrogen into the raised oxygen concentration areas in the event that an elevated and undesirable combustion-risk condition is determined, or an actual combustion situation is detected or otherwise signaled.  
         [0021]     As an adjunct to the nitrogen-based fire inhibiting arrangement and method, it is further contemplated that smoke and fire sensors can be advantageously placed in return air ducts of the aircraft thereby enabling earlier detection and extinguishment than current systems allow.  
         [0022]     Further features and advantages of the present invention will be presented in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  is a graphical representation of oxygen saturation compared to corresponding pulse rates of a subject take at the indicated time intervals on a MD11 aircraft flying from London, UK to Atlanta, US;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a graphical representation corresponding to  FIG. 1 , but in which temperature, pressure and RH (%) are comparatively demonstrated;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a graphical presentation of a subject&#39;s pulse rate in response to varying oxygen saturation levels and compositional percentages at sea level;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a highly simplified schematic representation of an exemplary system configured according to one embodiment of the present invention in which nitrogen and oxygen are separated and reservoired in segregated areas, but with a rapid re-mixing capability between the reservoirs;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a schematic plan view representation of an exemplary system configured according to the present invention and shown positioned within an aircraft fuselage;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a schematic elevational view representation of a system corresponding generally to that illustrated in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a detail schematic view of an exemplary gas separator suitable for utilization in the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a detail schematic view of an exemplary oxygen distribution duct, including the end portions taking the form of piccolo tubes;  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a detail schematic view of an exemplary nitrogen distribution duct, including the graduated piccolo tubes; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a O2/N2 control logic/function table demonstrating various system responses to an array of input variables. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0033]      FIGS. 1 and 2  graphically demonstrate easily monitored physiological reactions to airline flight. In the example of  FIG. 1 , a subject&#39;s heart rate  10  (linearized  11 ) is compared to experienced oxygen saturation levels  12  (linearized  13 ). Further details of the experienced cabin environment are illustrated in  FIG. 2  where temperature  15 , pressures  16  and relative humidity  17  (linearized  18 ) are tracked with respect to time for the trip of  FIG. 1 . The relationship of increasing heart rate to decreasing oxygen saturation levels is readily appreciated. This significant bodily reaction, however, goes substantially unnoticed by the passenger. A similar reaction is shown at sea level in  FIG. 3  where heart rate  21  clearly tracks oxygen content (percentage basis  20 , saturation basis  22 ) in the air.  
         [0034]     Therefore, as described above, in one aspect the present invention constitutes raising the atmospheric concentration of oxygen within aircraft occupant compartments, without increasing pressurization. Several different systems and technology are contemplated as suitable for increasing cabin oxygen concentration levels. In a most rudimentary sense, bottled oxygen can be utilized, but certain drawbacks are appreciated such as increased weight and onboard space occupation that such systems would require. Functionally, however, such systems would be acceptable. Liquid oxygen also serves as a suitable supply, but for commercial use is likely impractical and not cost-effective.  
         [0035]     The preferred systems for providing oxygen for increasing concentration levels within aircraft occupant cabins are those which produce high concentration oxygen via separation from available atmospheric air. Examples include membrane filter methods, electro-chemical methods, superconducting magnetic screens, and molecular sieves, among others. Particularly preferred is the molecular sieve method in which oxygen is physically separated from the other constituent components of ambient air.  
         [0036]     In an exemplary embodiment of such molecular sieves, zeolite material is formed into a bed through which pressured ambient air is forced. As a result, oxygen is permitted to pass therethrough, while other components of the air, primarily nitrogen (but also carbon dioxide and water), are held back and absorbed in the zeolite bed via molecular absorption. As will be appreciated by those persons skilled in this art, the bed will become saturated and have to be purged of the absorbed components. This may be accomplished in a number of ways, but that which is most common is to relieve the imposed pressure and permit the absorbed gases to defuse from the zeolite material.  
         [0037]     Because of the low-pressure environment in which aircraft operate, certain airborne molecular sieve air separators depend on the ability to purge the sieve beds overboard in order to expose them to the low pressure atmosphere. This method results in the purged gas not contributing to pressurization, and being unavailable for use as a nitrogen rich stream. Another aspect of the present invention includes a means to create the required low pressure bed exposure without ducting the purge gas overboard thereby also creating a nitrogen-rich byproduct. A highly simplified example of such a system&#39;s installation on an aircraft is illustrated in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0038]     According to one aspect of the present invention, the produced high-oxygen concentration air is distributed in the air supply to the occupant cabin(s). Based on appropriately positioned oxygen concentration sensors, the system adjusts for maintaining the specified level(s) within the cabin(s). Still further, the byproduct of nitrogen-rich gas is dispensed to those regions for which increased flammability retardation is desirable. Schematically, this is demonstrated in  FIG. 4  where an air supply is introduced through an intake air duct  65  to a gas separator  70  where high concentration oxygen and nitrogen are produced. The oxygen enriched air flow or supply  80  is conveyed to the passenger cabin  50  while the nitrogen enriched air flow or supply  90  is directed to compartments  48  having heightened flammability risks. Check valves  88  and  98  are provided to establish one-way conduction of the enriched flows  80  and  90 .  
         [0039]     An inter-compartment air mixer is shown as a fan  72 . This feature is provided to enable rapid remixing of the enriched gases in the event that conditions in the oxygenated passenger cabin are detected which indicate that a reduced-flammability environment is desirable. One obvious example is the detection of combustion or smoke in the oxygenated cabin.  
         [0040]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate plan and elevational views, respectively, of an exemplary aircraft in which the presently disclosed invention(s) may be employed. An aircraft interior  35  is defined within a fuselage  30  flying in an ambient-air environment  25 . On a macro level, a floor  37  defines several above-floor cabins including the cockpit  40 , vestibule  54 , occupant/passenger cabin  50 , and lavatory/galley area  58 . A baggage compartment  43  is provided behind the occupiable cabins, but within the pressured zone, and which is often inaccessible from the cabin during flight.  
         [0041]     A non-pressured tail compartment  46  is shown behind a pressure barrier  38  and houses primary components of the on-board gas processing plant. A gas separation unit  70  is depicted and to which an air supply  60 , typically from one of the powering engines, is directed. This engine-warmed air (exemplarily 480 degrees F.) is expanded causing a temperature drop to, for example, 32 degrees F. at an intake duct  65 . The pressure of this supplied air is then raised utilizing a series of pressure blowers  68 , between which heat exchangers are utilized to reduced the temperature-elevated pressured air flows.  
         [0042]     The pressured air is then processed at the separator  70  where high-concentration oxygen  80  and nitrogen  90  flows are generated. The nitrogen is drawn off using suction pumps  91 , between which heat exchangers  93  are utilized to keep the temperature of the nitrogen enriched air within manageable ranges.  
         [0043]     The distributed flow rate of oxygen enriched air  80  is computer-controlled via a variable pass-through valve  84 . The oxygen enriched air  80  may be directed forward in the aircraft  30  through duct  82  or dumped overboard through port  87  depending upon the configuration of shuttle valve  86 . The duct  82  is arranged below the floor  37  and passes through both pressured and non-pressured zones across pressure barrier walls  38 . A check valve  88  assures unidirectional oxygen flow in the duct  82 . Switch valve  81  determines whether the oxygen enriched air supply  80  is directed up past the floor and into the regular air distribution ducts of the passenger cabin, or is diverted to an individual, tube-based, direct passenger mask distribution system  89 .  
         [0044]     In the event that the oxygen enriched air is conveyed to the air distribution ducts in the occupant cabins, piccolo tube(s)  83  are utilized having a series of apertures or distribution ports  85  of continuously decreasing spacing. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the spaced configuration of the apertures assures substantially even distribution of oxygen enriched air to the intended cabin areas.  
         [0045]     The produced nitrogen enriched air flow  90  is similarly conveyed forward in the craft via a check-valve  98  controlled distribution duct  92 , and variously dispensed to desirable locations. As can be best appreciated in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , nitrogen enriched air is distributed to the below-floor compartment where it is essentially reservoired, as well as more directly to such areas as the radio bays  49 . Again, piccolo tube(s)  94  are utilized having a series of apertures or distribution ports  95  of continuously decreasing spacing. Still further, diversions of nitrogen enriched air can be effected by manipulation of control valve(s)  96  in order to increase/decrease application of nitrogen enriched air, on demand. For instance, if a combustion situation is detected in the aft radio bay  49  in the baggage compartment  43 , a greater amount, or perhaps all of the produced nitrogen may be desirably dumped  97  at the radio rack  49 .  
         [0046]     Generally, the direction of air flow in the craft  30  is aft, forward. In order to divert odors out of the lavatory/galley area  58  and away from the passenger cabin, exhaust air ducting  59  is connected with the exhaust fan  72 . The withdrawn air is dumped below the floor deck  37  into the nitrogen enriched compartment. Advantageously, the exhaust fan  72  can be strategically reversed in order to rapidly introduce nitrogen enriched air into the passenger cabin in the event that a lower oxygen concentrate environment is desired. This feature may also be referred to as remixing.  
         [0047]     It is contemplated that the control of the oxygen/nitrogen system may be automated, at least in part, under the direction of a computer-based controller  74 . In at least one aspect, information can be obtained utilizing above-floor  76  and below-floor  78  oxygen partial pressure sensors. Based on appropriate algorithmic processing of available data, the several control valves of the system can be variously manipulated based on determined requirements. Exemplary strategies of the computer-based controller  74  are depicted in the logic/function table of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0048]     With respect to such zeolite-based molecular sieve systems, certain improvements in their performance and construction are also contemplated. As an example, because zeolites are temperature sensitive, one aspect of the present invention includes changing the temperature of the zeolite bed, preferably by heating, during the purge cycle to enhance release of the absorbed components, the same being primarily nitrogen. Similarly, in another embodiment, an electrical charge can be imposed on the zeolite bed, altering the molecular sieve-effects. In this context, it is appreciated that the magnitude of the charge may be made variable so that the characteristics of a particular bed can be manipulated.