Patent Publication Number: US-11643213-B2

Title: Galley cart and galley system of an aircraft

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,618,634, issued Apr. 14, 2020 which is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No. 9,957,050 issued May 1, 2018, the subject matter of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods of cooling a galley of an aircraft. 
     Aircraft typically include multiple galleys to store food and beverages on the aircraft. The food and beverages are typically stored in galley carts which are transported to the aircraft and stored in refrigerated compartments or zones in the galleys. A heat exchanger is typically provided at the top of the galley and supplies cooled air to each of the compartments or zones via a plurality of air ducts and other components. The air ducts and the supply and return devices associated with the air ducts are routed along the rear wall of the galley to the cart compartment to supply the cooled air to the cart compartment and to return the air to the heat exchanger. For example, vertical ducts may extend from the heat exchanger, located above the galley, down the rear wall of the galley to the level of cart compartment, which is located at the bottom of the galley. Horizontal ducts may extend from the corresponding vertical ducts along the various galley carts to supply the air to, or return the air from, the galley carts and the cart compartment. In air-through-cart cooling arrangements, typically, the supply ducts are routed along the top of the cart compartment and interface with the galley carts to supply air at the top of the galley carts. The air flows through the galley carts to the bottom of the galley carts. The return ducts are routed along the bottom of the cart compartment and interface with the galley carts to receive the return air from the bottom of the galley carts. 
     A large amount of space is required for the airflow supply and return components, such as the ducts and the valves that interface with the galley carts. The footprint of the galley is wide enough to accommodate the galley carts as well as the airflow supply and return components. The galleys occupy valuable space within the cabin of the aircraft, which limits the number of passenger seats that may be provided on the aircraft. For example, the airflow supply and return components may add approximately 4-5 inches (in) (10-13 centimeters (cm)) of width to the galleys, and some aircraft may have eight or more galleys, leading to a large amount of cabin space dedicated to the airflow supply and return components, which may be used for other purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a galley cart is provided including walls defining an interior cavity extending between a front and a rear of the galley cart and the interior cavity extending between a top end and a bottom end. A supply port is provided in flow communication with the interior cavity at or near either the top end or the bottom end of the cart. A return port is provided in flow communication with the interior cavity that is adjacent the supply port at or near the top end or the bottom end of the cart. A barrier is positioned between the supply port and the return port within the interior cavity of the cart to define a supply chamber and a return chamber to control airflow through the interior cavity. 
     In a further embodiment, a galley is provided including a rear wall, a mid-wall oriented with respect to the rear wall, and a cart compartment at least partially defined by the rear wall and the mid-wall. The cart compartment is configured to receive at least one galley cart. A first duct is defined in the rear wall below the mid-wall and in flow communication with the cart compartment. A second duct is defined in the rear wall directly below the first duct and in flow communication with the cart compartment. 
     In another embodiment, a galley is provided including a rear wall, a mid-wall oriented with respect to the rear wall, and a cart compartment at least partially defined by the rear wall and the mid-wall. The cart compartment is configured to receive at least one galley cart. A first duct is coupled to a lower surface of the mid-wall and in flow communication with the cart compartment. A second duct is coupled to the lower surface of the mid-wall and in flow communication with the cart compartment. 
     The features and functions that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of an exemplary galley system for an aircraft. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of a galley of the galley system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley and galley system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley and galley system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4   a    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley and galley system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of a galley cart of the galley system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley cart in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
     Described herein are various embodiments of a galley system for an aircraft configured to supply cooling air to a cart compartment of a galley monument, or simply galley, for cooling galley carts. Various embodiments provide cooling ducts of the galley system that are arranged to reduce a size or footprint of the galley monument, which may provide additional space in the passenger compartment, such as for adding additional room for passenger seating and/or additional leg room. Various embodiments provide an efficient cooling environment for the galley carts using air-through-cart cooling arrangements. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of an exemplary galley system  100  for an aircraft  106 . The galley system  100  is used to cool galley carts  108  held in cart compartments  102  of a galley  104 . The galley  104  defines one or more cart compartments  102 , which are typically arranged below a mid-wall  105  of the galley  104 , which may define a counter and be referred to hereinafter as counter  105 . The mid-wall  105  defines a top of the cart compartment  102 . The galley  104  is positioned within a cabin  110  of the aircraft  106 , and the cabin of the aircraft  106  is divided into a passenger area  112 , where passenger seats  114  are located, and a galley area  115 , where the galley  104  is located. The passenger area  112  is the area exterior of the galley  104  within the aircraft  106  where passengers are able to be located. The galley area  115  has a working area for the galley crew forward of the galley  104  where the cart compartments  102 , counter  105  and cabinets or storage bins may be accessed. Space dedicated to the galley  104  is unusable for passenger seats  114  or other purposes such as lavatories, and thus it may be desirable for aircraft manufacturers to reduce the footprint of the galley area  115  in order to increase the passenger area  112  to increase revenue of each flight for aircraft operators. 
     As used herein a cart compartment is an insulated or uninsulated volume that is utilized to store one or more galley carts on the aircraft  106 . A galley cart, as used herein, is a portable device that is used to store food and/or beverages that are transported from a caterer to the aircraft  106  or from the cart compartments  102  to other parts of the aircraft  106  for serving the food and/or beverages. The galley carts may include wheels, however some galley carts may be hand carried boxes in some embodiments. 
     The galley  104  may include any number of cart compartments  102  and the aircraft  106  may include any number of galleys  104 . The galleys  104  are typically arranged near the doors of the aircraft  106 , such as at the fore and/or aft of the cabin  110 , but may be located mid-cabin in some embodiments. Each cart compartment  102  may hold any number of galley carts  108 . The galleys  104  may be used for the storage and/or preparation of food or beverages. Some galleys may be bar units used strictly for preparation of beverages. Some galleys may be incorporated into other monuments used for other purposes such as closets, workstations, lavatories, and the like. 
     The galley system  100  includes a heat exchanger  116  that provides cooled air. The heat exchanger  116  may be positioned above the galley  104  (e.g., in the crown of the aircraft  106 ), as in the illustrated embodiment, may be positioned in the galley  104 , or may be positioned below the galley  104  (e.g., in the belly of the aircraft  106 ). The galley system  100  includes an airflow supply and return system  118 , in flow communication with the heat exchanger  116  and the cart compartments  102 , to channel the air supply from the heat exchanger  116  to the cart compartments  102  and back to the heat exchanger  116 . 
       FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the galley  104  and galley system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The galley  104  includes a bottom  120 , a top, a front  124  and a rear  126  opposite the front  124 , and may include at least one side (not shown). The galley  104  includes a first opening  128  into the cart compartment  102  and a second opening  130  into the cart compartment  102 . Air can flow into and out of the cart compartment  102  through the first and second openings  128 ,  130 , respectively. For example, the airflow supply and return system  118  may be in flow communication with the first and second openings  128 ,  130 . Optionally, multiple openings  128 ,  130  may be provided. The rear  126  may be fore facing, aft facing or side facing, depending on the orientation of the galley  104  within the cabin  110 . The rear  126  may face the passenger area  112  (e.g., passenger seats  114  may be located behind the rear  126 , in front of the rear  126 , and the like); however in alternative embodiments, the rear  126  may be positioned against a bulkhead. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger  116  is positioned at the top of the galley  104 . The heat exchanger  116  includes a fan used to increase the flow of air through the galley system  100 . The fan forces the airflow through the airflow supply and return system  118  and directs the air over a galley chilling unit used to reduce the temperature of the airflow. The fan may be positioned in the airflow supply and return system  118 , such as between a return duct and a supply duct. The fan may be positioned upstream of the galley chilling unit; however, the fan may be positioned at other locations in alternative embodiments. In one embodiment, the galley chilling unit is a liquid-cooled galley chilling unit that provides chilled liquid, such as a refrigerant, to the heat exchanger  116  to cool the air supply. Heat exchanging of the liquid may be performed remote from the heat exchanger  116  and from the galley  104 , such as in the belly of the aircraft  106 . In another embodiment, the galley chilling unit is a conventional refrigeration unit, which includes an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion valve (not shown). 
     The airflow supply and return system  118  is arranged within the galley  104 . Components of the airflow supply and return system  118  may be routed in various locations to supply and return the air as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, components of the airflow supply and return system  118  are generally arranged along the rear  126  of the galley  104 , such as behind the cabinets, cart compartments  102 , and other compartments of the galley  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the airflow supply and return system  118  are routed in areas to reduce a depth of at least a portion of the galley  104 . For example, one or more ducts of the airflow supply and return system  118  are routed to locations other than behind the cart compartment  102  to reduce the depth of the cart compartment  102 , which may decrease the footprint of the galley area  115 , and thus increase the footprint of the passenger area  112 . 
     The airflow supply and return system  118  includes a plurality of ducts to supply and return air to the cart compartment  102  and the galley cart  108 . For example, the system  118  includes at least one cooling air supply duct  132  (may be referred to as a first duct  132  or a second duct  132 ) to supply cooled air to the cart compartment(s)  102  and at least one air return duct  134  (may be referred to as a first duct  134  or a second duct  134 ) to return air to the heat exchanger  116 . The ducts  132 ,  134  may be embedded in the walls or structures defining the galley  104  and/or the cabinets, compartments, and the like of the galley  104 . The ducts  132 ,  134  may be defined by separate structures, such as sheet metal ducts preformed and set in the walls. Alternatively, the ducts  132 ,  134  may be defined by the walls themselves, such as by bores or channels in the walls. The walls may define portions or sides of the ducts  132 ,  134 . 
     Optionally, the air supply duct  132  may include a horizontal supply duct  136  and a vertical supply duct  138 . The vertical supply duct  138  extends between the horizontal supply duct  136  and the heat exchanger  116 . The horizontal supply duct  136  may extend into each of the cart compartments  102  to supply cooled air to each of the cart compartments  102 . The horizontal supply duct  136  may define a manifold for supplying cooled air to multiple cart compartments  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal supply duct  136  is positioned at the rear  126 , such as behind the cart compartment(s)  102 . The horizontal supply duct  136  may be positioned at other locations in alternative embodiments, such as along the top of the cart compartments  102  (e.g., directly under the counter  105  above the galley carts  108 ), along the bottom  120  (e.g., along the floor below the galley carts  108 ), and the like. Other arrangements of supply and return ducts are possible in alternative embodiments. 
     Optionally, the air return duct  134  may include a horizontal return duct  140  and a vertical return duct  142 . The vertical return duct  142  extends between the horizontal return duct  140  and the heat exchanger  116 . The horizontal return duct  140  may extend into each of the cart compartments  102  to return air from each of the cart compartments  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal return duct  140  is positioned at the top of the cart compartment  102 , such as above the galley cart  108 . The horizontal return duct  140  may be positioned at other locations in alternative embodiments, such as along the bottom of the cart compartments  102 , along the rear  126 , and the like. Other arrangements of supply and return ducts are possible in alternative embodiments. 
     The cart compartment  102  is positioned near the bottom  120 , such as below the counter  105 , for loading and unloading of the galley carts  108  into a cavity  150  defined by the cart compartment  102 . Cabinets or other non-cooled compartments may be provided above the cart compartment  102 , such as above the counter area of the galley  104 . In some alternative embodiments, cooled compartments may be provided above the counter area and the airflow supply and return arrangements described herein may be useful for such cooled compartments, such as to provide more counter space or larger (e.g., deeper) containers that may be placed in such cooled compartments. Optionally, the cart compartment  102  may have one or more doors  152  at the front  124  that may be opened to provide access to the cavity  150  of the cart compartment  102 , such as to load and unload the galley carts  108  through the front  124 . The door(s)  152  may be closed to retain the galley carts  108  in the cart compartment  102  and/or to enclose the cooling space in the cavity  150  and/or to provide thermal insulation. In an exemplary embodiment, when the galley cart  108  is positioned in the cavity  150 , a space is defined about the galley cart  108 . Optionally, air may be able to flow around the galley cart  108  in the space. In alternative embodiments, because the cooling may be by an air-through-cart supply arrangement, the cart compartment  102  may be provided without the doors  152 . 
     The cart compartment  102  includes a plurality of walls  154  defining the cavity  150 . The first and second openings  128 ,  130  may extend at least partially through the walls  154 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cart compartment  102  includes a bottom wall  160 , a top wall  162 , a front wall  164 , a rear wall  166  and side walls  168 . The side walls  168  may separate adjacent cart compartments  102 . In alternative embodiments, the galley  104  may only include side walls  168  along the exterior sides of the galley  104  and may be devoid of internal side walls separating the cart compartments  102 . In such embodiments, each of the cart compartments  102  may be open to each other. The front wall  164  includes a doorway  170  defined therethrough. The doorway  170  allows the galley cart  108  to be loaded into, and unloaded from, the cart compartment  102 . The door  152  is coupled to the front wall  164  to close the doorway  170 . The top wall  162  may be defined by the counter  105  of the galley  104 . The bottom wall  160  may be defined by a floor of the cabin  110 . 
     The rear wall  166  may define the rear  126  of the galley  104 . The rear wall  166  may be exposed to the exterior environment of the galley  104 . For example, the rear wall  166  may be exposed to the passenger area  112  of the cabin  110 . The rear wall  166  is provided opposite the front wall  164  and the door  152 . In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the rear wall  166  is shifted forward, as compared to galley monuments that provide airflow supply or return components along the rear wall  166 , to reduce the footprint of the galley  104 . At least a portion of the rear wall  166  is shifted toward the galley cart  108  to reduce the volume of the cavity  150  of the cart compartment  102 . Such reduction in volume of the cart compartment  102  equates to an increase in volume of the passenger area  112 . For example, more space may be provided for passenger seats  114 . For example, more leg room may be provided for passengers in the passenger seats  114 . To create additional room in the cart compartment  102 , for shifting the rear wall  166  toward the galley cart  108 , at least some of the components of the airflow supply and return system  118  may be moved away from such portions of the rear wall  166 . For example, portions or all of the rear wall  166  may be devoid of air ducts or other components of the airflow supply and return system  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, both the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  are located at or near the top wall  162 . The supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  are positioned adjacent each other, as opposed to apart from each other as is typical of conventional systems. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  are both positioned directly below the counter  105  and the rear wall  166  below the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  is jogged or shifted forward to reduce the width of the cavity  150 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the airflow supply and return system  118  includes an air supply device  180  and an air return device  182 . The air supply device  180  is provided at the first opening  128 . The air return device  182  is provided at the second opening  130 . The air supply device  180  is in flow communication with the air supply duct  132 . The air return device  182  is in flow communication with the air return duct  134 . In various embodiments, the airflow devices  180  and/or  182  may be cart valves configured to engage and/or mate with the galley cart  108 . For example, the airflow devices  180 ,  182  may seal to corresponding vents or openings of the galley cart  108  to provide a flow of air through the vents/openings of the galley cart  108 . The galley cart  108  may include complementary valve for interfacing with the devices  180 , 182 . In other embodiments, the airflow devices  180  and/or  182  may be air grills through which air is able to flow. The air grill does not necessarily engage the galley cart  108  but rather may be position within the cavity  150  to direct air into, or receive air from, the galley cart  108 . 
     The airflow supply and return system  118  is in flow communication with the galley cart  108 . For example, the air supply duct  132  is in flow communication with the first opening  128  of the cart compartment  102 , such as at the air supply device  180 , and is in flow communication with the galley cart  108 . The air return duct  134  is in flow communication with the second opening  130  of the cart compartment  102 , such as at the air return device  182 , and is in flow communication with the galley cart  108 . During use, flow of air through the supply and return system  118  flows through the air supply duct  132 , through the air supply device  180  and into the galley cart  108 . The air passes over the food or beverages in the galley cart  108  by an air-through-cart supply arrangement. The air from the galley cart  108  then flows from the galley cart  108  through the return device  182  and into the air return duct  134 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, both the air supply duct  132  and the air return duct  134  are routed along the rear wall  166  within the top half of the cart compartment  102 . The ducts  132 ,  134  may be internal air ducts running along the rear wall  166  and positioned within the rear wall  166 . The ducts  132 ,  134  may run along the interior surface of the rear wall  166  within the cavity  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall  166  along the top half is generally positioned a first distance  186  from a rear of the galley cart  108 , whereas the rear wall  166  along the bottom half is generally positioned a second distance  188  from the rear of the galley cart  108 . The first distance  186  is different than the second distance  188 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first distance  186  is greater than the second distance  188 . In other words, the rear wall  166  in the top half is positioned further rearward as compared to the rear wall  166  in the bottom half, which is positioned further forward. Moving the rear wall  166  forward toward the galley cart  108  reduces the footprint of the galley  104  and provides additional gained space  190  in the passenger area  112 . For example, shifting the rear wall  166  forward increases leg room of the row of passenger seats  114  behind the cart compartment  102 . 
     In other various embodiments, the first and second openings  128 ,  130  of the cart compartment  102  are provided in different walls of the cart compartment  102 . For example, the first opening  128  is provided in the rear wall  166  while the second opening  130  is provided in the top wall  162 . By moving the second opening  130  to the top wall  162 , as opposed to being positioned in the rear wall  166 , such as below the first opening  128 , space is freed up in the bottom half of the cart compartment  102 . The rear wall  166 , in the bottom half, such as below the air supply components, may be moved inward or forward toward the galley cart  108 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the rear wall  166  includes a jogged section  192  that shifts portions of the rear wall  166  closer to the galley cart  108  as compared to other portions. For example, the rear wall  166  is non-planar with an upper rear wall  194  above the jogged section  192  and a lower rear wall  196  below the jogged section  192 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upper rear wall  194  is positioned the first distance  186  (e.g., further from) from the galley cart  108  and the lower rear wall  196  is positioned the second distance  188  (e.g., closer to) from the galley cart  108 . Optionally, the jogged section  192  may be positioned close to the counter  105  to provide a large amount of space savings and more leg room for the passenger area  112 . For example, the jogged section  192  may be positioned in close proximity to the air supply and return components, such as immediately below the air supply and return ducts  132 ,  134 . Positioning the jogged section  192  as such provides the greatest amount of gained space  190  (shown by the dashed line) in the passenger area  112 . Additionally, by providing thin ducts  132 ,  134  (e.g., short in the vertical direction), the amount of space below the counter  105  needed for routing of the ducts  132 ,  134  is reduced, allowing the jogged section  192  to be moved further upward. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the jogged section  192  reduces the depth of the corresponding portion (e.g., the bottom half) of the cavity  150  by a significant amount. For example, the jogged section  192  may reduce the depth of the cavity  150  by at least 5%. Optionally, the jogged section  192  may reduce the depth of the cavity  150  by 10% or more. The jogged section  192  may increase leg room of rows of passenger seats  114  behind the cart compartment  102 . Optionally, the jogged section  192  may shift the position of the lower rear wall  196  of the rear wall  166  by at least 3 in (7.6 cm). The jogged section  192  may shift the lower rear wall  196  by more than 3 in (7.6 cm) in alternative embodiments. In aircraft  106  having multiple galley monuments  104 , reducing the footprint of multiple galley monuments  104  may allow additional rows of passenger seats  114  in the aircraft  106 , which may increase the revenue produced by the aircraft  106 . 
     The jogged section  192  transitions the lower rear wall  196  vertically below the ducts  132 ,  134 . As such, an exterior environment behind the cart compartment  102 , which defines a portion of the passenger area  112  as positioned vertically below a portion of the galley  104 . For example, a portion of the passenger area  112  encroaches below the galley  104 , which allows the volume of the passenger area  112  to encroach upon what would otherwise be part of the galley monument footprint. As such, the footprint of the passenger area  112  over laps with the footprint of the galley area  115  to increase the usable space of the cabin  110 . In alternative embodiments, the entire rear wall  166  may be shifted forward such that the rear wall  166  is planar, such as when the ducts  132 ,  134  are not routed behind the galley carts  108  but rather are routed from below the galley carts  108  or routed through the cabinets and counter  105  from above to a position above the galley carts  108 . 
       FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley  104  and galley system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG.  3    illustrates various components of the airflow supply and return system  118  in different locations than the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear  126  of the galley  104  is forward facing with the passenger seats  114  positioned forward of the galley  104 . Optionally, the heat exchanger  116  (shown schematically in  FIG.  3   ) is positioned below the galley  104 , such as below the floor. 
     The airflow supply and return system  118  is arranged within the galley  104  to direct the air into the cart compartment  102  and the galley carts  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, some components of the airflow supply and return system  118 , such as the air supply duct  132  and the air return duct  134 , are arranged along the rear wall  166  of the cart compartment  102  near the bottom wall  160 . The upper half of the cart compartment  102  is devoid of the ducts, allowing the rear wall  166  to be shifted or jogged inward to reduce a depth of at least a portion of the cart compartment  102 . The rear wall  166  in the top half is shifted inward toward the galley cart  108  to reduce the depth of the cart compartment  102  in the associated area (e.g., in the top half). At least a portion of the rear wall  166  is shifted toward the galley cart  108  to reduce the volume of the cavity  150  of the cart compartment  102 . Such reduction in volume of the cart compartment  102  equates to an increase in volume of the passenger area  112 . For example, more space may be provided for passenger seats  114 . For example, more seat reclining room may be provided for the passenger seats  114 . 
       FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley  104  and galley system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG.  4   a    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley  104  and galley system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG.  4    illustrates various components of the airflow supply and return system  118  in different locations than the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3   .  FIG.  4   a    illustrates various components of the airflow supply and return system  118  in different locations than the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . The airflow supply and return system  118  is arranged within the galley  104  to direct the air into the cart compartment  102  and the galley carts  108 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, none of the components of the airflow supply and return system  118  are provided along the rear wall  166  of the cart compartment  102 . Rather, the air supply duct  132  as well as the air return duct  134  are provided along the top wall  162  defined by the counter  105 . The ducts  132 ,  134  and the corresponding air supply device  180  and air return device  182  are vertically aligned with the galley cart  108 , in the illustrated embodiment, above the galley cart  108 ; however in alternative embodiments, the air supply duct  132  and the air supply device  180  as well as the air return duct  134  and air return device  182  may be positioned below the galley cart  108  as shown in  FIG.  4   a   . The rear wall  166  is devoid of any air ducts, to reduce a depth of at least a portion of the cart compartment  102 . For example, the rear wall  166  in both the top half and the bottom half is shifted inward toward the galley cart  108 , as compared to galley monuments that provide airflow supply or return components along the rear wall  166 , to reduce the depth of the cart compartment  102 . The rear wall  166  is shifted toward the galley cart  108  to reduce the volume of the cavity  150  of the cart compartment  102 . For example, the jogged section  192  may be located immediately below the counter  105 . Such reduction in volume of the cart compartment  102  equates to an increase in volume of the passenger area  112 . For example, more space may be provided for passenger seats  114 . In other embodiments, rather than having the jogged section above the counter  105 , the ducts  132 ,  134  may be provided above the counter so that the depth of the galley  104  is reduced along the entire height (e.g., from the top to the floor). 
       FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the galley cart  108  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The galley cart  108  has an air-through-cart supply arrangement where the airflow supply and return system  118  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) supplies cooled air to the galley cart  108  through a supply port  200  and returns air from the galley cart  108  through a return port  202 . An airflow path is defined through an interior cavity  204  of the galley cart  108  to ensure that the cooled air flows past each of the trays (not shown) configured to be held in the galley cart  108 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the galley cart  108  includes one or more barriers  210  in the interior cavity  204  that define a flow path from the supply port  200  to the return port  202 . 
     The barriers  210  define a supply chamber  206  and a return chamber  208  in the interior cavity  204 . The barriers  210  separate the supply chamber  206  from the return chamber  208  to ensure that the air flows through the entire interior cavity  204  and is not short circuited between the supply port  200  and the return port  202 . The barriers  210  prevent reingestion of the cooled air from the supply port  200  directly into the return port  202  (which is referred to as “short circuiting”) by forcing the air to flow around the barriers  210  through the entire interior cavity  204 . The barriers  210  span across the interior cavity  204  to separate the chambers  206 ,  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, the galley cart  108  includes two barriers  210 , namely a horizontal barrier  212  and a vertical barrier  214 ; however the galley cart  108  may include any number of barriers  210  in other embodiments. 
     The galley cart  108  includes a plurality of walls, generally identified by reference  216 , and may include a plurality of doors, generally identified by reference  218 . The walls  216  and doors  218  define the interior cavity  204 . The walls  216  may be metal or non-metal panels defining the general shape of the galley cart  108  and some of the walls  216  may include openings, which may be closed by the doors  218 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the galley cart  108  includes a front  220  and a rear  222  with sides  224  extending therebetween. The galley cart  108  includes a top end  226  and a bottom end  228 . The front  220 , rear  222 , sides  224 , top end  226  and bottom end  228  are defined by corresponding walls  216 . The galley cart  108  may be configured to hold a plurality of trays in the interior cavity  204 . For example, the galley cart  108  may hold a front column of trays near the front  220  and a rear column of trays near the rear  222 . The trays may be loaded into and removed from the galley cart  108  through the front  220  and/or through the rear  222 . The trays may hold food, drinks or other items needing cooling. The cool air supplied to the galley cart  108  flows over the trays as the air flows from the supply port  200  to the return port  202 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the barriers  210  divide the interior cavity  204  into the supply chamber  206  and the return chamber  208 . The barriers  210  are positioned between the supply port  200  and the return port  202 . For example, the barrier  212  extends forward from the rear  222  at a location between the supply port  200  and the return port  202  and may be generally parallel to, and spaced apart from, the top end  226 . At least some of the barriers  210  may be positioned between the trays, such as between the front column of trays and between the rear column of trays or between different rows of trays. Optionally, the barriers  210  may be movable to ease loading or unloading of the trays. For example, the barriers  210  may be foldable or collapsible and/or the barriers  210  may be removable. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the supply port  200  and the return port  202  are vertically stacked immediately adjacent each other at the rear  222 . The supply port  200  is in direct flow communication with the supply chamber  206  and the return port  202  is in direct flow communication with the return chamber  208 . The supply chamber  206  is in flow communication with the return chamber  208  remote from the ports  200 ,  202 . For example, the supply chamber  206  and the return chamber  208  may be similarly sized (e.g., each encompassing approximately half of the interior cavity  204 ). The supply and return ports  200 ,  202  are positioned to interface with the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  (shown in  FIG.  2   ), such as via the supply and return devices  180 ,  182  (shown in  FIG.  2   ). Optionally, vents or other airflow devices may be provided at the ports  200 ,  202  to interface with the ducts  132 ,  134  and/or devices  180 ,  182 . Providing both ports  200 ,  202  adjacent each other, such as at the top end  226  allows the ducts  132 ,  134  and corresponding devices  180 ,  182  to be located adjacent each other to allow a portion of the rear wall  166  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) of the galley to be moved inward to increase the space in the passenger area. In an exemplary embodiment, the ports  200 ,  202  are wide and narrow to allow a large amount of airflow therethrough while maintaining a low profile. In other alternative embodiments, rather than having the ports  200 ,  202  vertically stacked with the horizontal barrier  212  therebetween, the ports  200 ,  202  may be stacked side-by-side and a single vertical barrier may be positioned therebetween that is oriented parallel to the sides  224 . In other various embodiments, two sets of ports  200 ,  202  may be provided, one at the top and the other at the bottom of the galley cart  108  so that the galley cart  108  can be used in different types of cart compartments (e.g., in cart compartments having the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  at the top ( FIG.  2   ) and in cart compartments having the supply and return ducts at the bottom ( FIG.  3   )). The barriers  210  may be configurable to ensure proper airflow. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the supply port  200  and the return port  202  are positioned at or near the top end  226 ; however the ports  200 ,  202  may be at or near the bottom end  228  in alternative embodiments. Optionally, the supply port  200  is positioned above the return port  202  and the airflow is clockwise in the interior cavity  204 ; however the return port  202  may be positioned above the supply port  200  in other embodiments, which may define counter-clockwise airflow in the interior cavity  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the supply chamber  206  is positioned above the return chamber  208  (e.g., above the horizontal barrier  212 ) and forward of the return chamber  208  (e.g., forward of the vertical barrier  214 ). The supply chamber  206  generally extends along the top end  226  and the front  220 . The return chamber  208  is positioned below the supply chamber  206  (e.g., below the horizontal barrier  212 ) and rearward of the supply chamber  206  (e.g., rearward of the vertical barrier  214 ). The return chamber  208  generally extends along the bottom end  228  and the rear  222 . Other arrangements are possible in alternative embodiments. 
       FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the galley cart  108  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG.  6    illustrates various components of the galley cart  108  in different locations than the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The supply and return ports  200 ,  202  are located along the top end  226  as opposed to along the rear  222 . In an alternative embodiment, rather than being located at the top end  226 , the supply and return ports  200 ,  202  may be located at the bottom end  228  for interfacing with corresponding supply and return ducts (not shown) below the galley cart  108 . 
     The galley cart  108  includes a single vertical barrier  210  to divide the interior cavity  204  into the supply chamber  206  and the return chamber  208  as opposed to multiple barriers as with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The barrier  210  extends from the top end  226  into the interior cavity  204 , and may extend substantially entirely to the bottom end  228 . The barrier  210  may be approximately centered between the front  220  and the rear  222  allowing trays to be loaded into the interior cavity in front of and behind the barrier  210 . 
     The galley cart  108  locates the ports  200 ,  202  to interface with the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) when the supply and return ducts  132 ,  134  are located under the counter  105  as opposed to along the rear wall  166  (shown in  FIG.  4   ). Providing both ports  200 ,  202  adjacent each other along the top end  226  allows the ducts  132 ,  134  (and corresponding devices  180 ,  182 ) to be located adjacent each other to allow a portion of the rear wall  166  of the galley to be moved inward to increase the space in the passenger area. 
     Optionally, the ports  200 ,  202  may be staggered, such as vertically offset, to allow clearance of the rearward port  200  to pass the forward return duct  134 . In other embodiments, the devices  180 ,  182  may be movable into engagement with the galley cart  108  after the galley cart  108  is loaded into the cart compartment  102 . For example, the galley cart  108  may be pushed against a lever or other mechanism as the galley cart  108  is loaded into the cart compartment  102 . The lever may cause the devices  180 ,  182  to move toward the top end  226  to interface with the ports  200 ,  202 . Other arrangements are possible to ensure that the ducts  132 ,  134  are in flow communication with the ports  200 ,  202  when the galley cart  108  is loaded into the cart compartment  102 . 
     A galley system is provided for an aircraft that supplies cooling air to a compartment of a galley for cooling galley carts. The supply and/or return ducts and supply and/or return devices for the airflow are arranged adjacent each other to reduce a size or footprint of the galley monument. Additional space is provided in the passenger compartment by shifting the walls of the cart compartment inward (e.g., closer to the galley cart), such as for adding additional room for passenger seating. The galley cart is designed to interface with the supply and return ducts. The galley cart includes barriers to control the airflow within the internal cavity of the galley cart to ensure that the entire galley cart is cooled. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from the scope thereof. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.