Patent Description:
In aircraft, RAM air is often used to exchange heat with fluids used by various systems, such an ECS. In some cases, for example, RAM air enters the RAM air circuit at an inlet and is sprayed with water for cooling purposes. The cooled RAM continues through the RAM air circuit and comes into contact with a chiller heat exchanger, a fresh air heat exchanger and finally a bleed air heat exchanger before being output overboard through an outlet of the RAM air circuit. While this configuration provides for cooling effects, the cooling effects are often limited by the incoming temperature of the RAM air especially on hot days.

Therefore, it has been proposed to direct cool air into the RAM air circuit at a location defined upstream from the chiller heat exchanger in order to achieve improved cooling effects. The cool air can be drawn from a supply of excess pack turbine cooled air produced by fresh and power turbines. As the excess pack turbine cooled air is often cooler than the RAM air entering the inlet of the RAM air inlet (e.g., the excess pack turbine cooled air may be <NUM>°F versus <NUM>°F for the RAM air on especially warm days) the improved cooling effects can be substantial. <CIT> describes an aircraft air conditioning system. US <NUM>;<NUM>;<NUM> describes a jet augmented RAM air scoop. <CIT> describes a dry ice draw compartment for a galley drawthrough. <CIT> describes a compressor temperature control system.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a RAM inlet header (RIH) (<NUM>) and heat exchanger within the RAM inlet header is provided as claimed in claim <NUM>.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the body has a curvature parallel to a plane of the wall.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the nozzle body is proximate to a cold-cold corner of the heat exchanger.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the curtain is formed along a plane of the wall.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the nozzle body includes at least one of metallic, molded and composite materials.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the, RAM inlet header (RIH) includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along a wall of the body to direct cooled air into flows of the RAM air and toward the heat exchanger. Each nozzle is displaced from a neighboring nozzle and includes a first body, which is formed to define a first flowpath and which is extendable in a first direction from the wall of the body, a second body, which is formed to define a second flowpath and which is extendable in a second direction along a plane of the wall of the body and a curved body interposed between the first and second bodies and by which the second flowpath is receptive of fluid from the first flowpath.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the body has a curvature parallel to a plane of the wall, the wall is formed to define holes and the RIH further includes a manifold disposed at an exterior of the body and configured to distribute the cooled air to each nozzle via the holes and a tubular body to transport the cooled air to an intake of the manifold.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, a predominant flow direction of the cooled air leaving the second body of each nozzle opposes a predominant flow direction of the cooled air in the tubular body.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, each of the nozzles has a substantially uniform shape and size.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the plurality of nozzles is arranged in a linear formation with substantially uniform spacing along the wall.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, a height of each of the nozzles is substantially less than a distance between the wall and an opposite wall of the body.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, a height of each of the nozzles as measured from the wall is variable.

There is also described a RAM inlet header (RIH) that includes a body through which RAM air flows from an inlet toward a heat exchanger and one or more nozzles arranged along a wall of the body to direct cooled air into flows of the RAM air and toward the heat exchanger. The one or more nozzles are displaced from one or more neighboring nozzles and respectively include a first body, which is formed to define a first flowpath and which is extendable in a first direction from the wall of the body, a second body, which is formed to define a second flowpath and which is extendable in a second direction along a plane of the wall of the body and a curved body interposed between the first and second bodies and by which the second flowpath is receptive of fluid from the first flowpath.

In accordance with additional or alternative examples, the body has a curvature parallel to a plane of the wall, the wall is formed to define one or more holes and the RIH further includes a manifold disposed at an exterior of the body and configured to distribute the cooled air to each of the one or more nozzles via the one or more holes and a tubular body to transport the cooled air to an intake of the manifold.

In accordance with additional or alternative examples, a predominant flow direction of the cooled air leaving the second body of each of the one or more nozzles opposes a predominant flow direction of the cooled air in the tubular body.

In accordance with additional or alternative examples, a height of each of the one or more nozzles is substantially less than a distance between the wall and an opposite wall of the body.

In accordance with additional or alternative examples, a height of each of the one or more nozzles as measured from the wall is variable.

In accordance with additional or alternative examples, each of the one or more nozzles is electro-magnetically, hydraulically or pneumatically extendable and retractable.

As will be described below, air exhaust nozzle features are provided to a RAM inlet header (RIH). In some cases, multiple turbine air exhaust nozzles are added to the RIH. These nozzles direct excess pack turbine cooled air towards the RAM heat exchanger cold-cold corner in order to achieve additional system performance during certain operating modes. The nozzle quantities, positions and sizes are optimized to maximize system performance in terms of cooling and water removal. A distance from outlets of the nozzles is provided to allow cooling flows to distribute along the heat exchanger cold-cold corner. The nozzles are configured to avoid obstructing internal header flows and spaces between the nozzles minimize risk of obstructing flows to the cold-cold corner of the heat exchanger. In other cases, a slotted turbine air exhaust nozzle is added to the RIH. The slotted air nozzle directs excess pack turbine cooled air towards the RAM heat exchanger cold-cold corner in order to achieve additional system performance during certain operating modes. The slotted air nozzle provides a curtain of air directed towards the cold-cold corner of the heat exchanger. The slotted air nozzle is positioned and sized to be optimized to maximize system performance in terms of cooling and water removal. The slot height can be varied to enhance flow distribution and a distance from the slotted air nozzle outlet may be provided to distribute cooled air along the heat exchanger cold-cold corner without obstructing internal header flows.

With reference to <FIG>, an environmental control system (ECS) <NUM> of an aircraft is provided and includes at least one of first and second sources <NUM> and <NUM> of excess cooled air and an RIH <NUM>. The first source <NUM> may be provided, for example, as a fresh air turbine and the second source <NUM> may be provided, for example, as a power turbine. In any case, the first source <NUM> is coupled to a first passageway <NUM> through which excess cooled air is transported from the first source <NUM> to the RIH <NUM> and the second source <NUM> is coupled to a second passageway <NUM> through which excess cooled air is transported from the second source <NUM> to the RIH <NUM>.

The RIH <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM>, an outlet <NUM> and a body <NUM>, which is formed to define a passage <NUM> from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. RAM air can be drawn into the inlet <NUM> during flight operations and is then directed through the body <NUM> toward the outlet <NUM>. Within the body <NUM>, the RAM air thermally interacts with coolant, which is sprayed into the RAM air by one or more spray nozzles <NUM>, and first, second and third heat exchangers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

As the RAM air proceeds through the inlet <NUM>, the RAM air is directed around a corner <NUM> at which point the RAM air thermally interacts with the coolant. Subsequently, the RAM air thermally interacts with the first heat exchanger <NUM>, such as a chiller heat exchanger. Once the RAM air passes through the first heat exchanger <NUM>, the RAM air subsequently passes through the second and third heat exchangers <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be provided as a fresh air heat exchanger and a bleed air heat exchanger, respectively, prior to exiting through the outlet <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM> includes a first body wall <NUM>, a second body wall <NUM> disposed at a distance from the first body wall <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. The sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed at a distance from one another and extend between corresponding edges of the first body wall <NUM> and the second body wall <NUM>. The first body wall <NUM>, the second body wall <NUM> and the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> thus form an interior <NUM> through which the RAM air passes as the RAM air proceeds toward the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The corner <NUM> is formed from a curvature of the sidewall <NUM>, which curves along a plane P of the first body wall <NUM> about an edge of the sidewall <NUM>. At or proximate to the first body wall <NUM>, the corner <NUM> may be provided as a cold-cold corner of the first heat exchanger <NUM> as heated air moving through the first heat exchanger <NUM> is cooled by thermal interaction with the RAM air upon reaching the corner <NUM> at the first body wall <NUM>. In accordance with embodiments, the cold-cold corner of the first heat exchanger <NUM> can extend across a span of the first body wall <NUM>.

To an extent that the RAM air may not be sufficiently cool, especially on hot days, the RIH <NUM> further includes features by which the excess cooled air can be provided from the first and second sources <NUM> and <NUM> and thus directed into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the features include a nozzle body <NUM> that is arranged along the first body wall <NUM> and configured to direct a curtain of cooled air into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM>. In an exemplary case, the cooled air can be provided at a temperature of around <NUM>°F or lower and the RAM air can be provided at a temperature of around <NUM>°F or higher and, in such cases, the presence of the cooled air provides for substantially improved cooling capability at least at the first heat exchanger <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and with additional reference to <FIG>, the nozzle body <NUM> can be provided as a plurality of nozzles <NUM> arranged along the first body wall <NUM> to direct the cooled air into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, each nozzle <NUM> is displaced from a neighboring nozzle <NUM> and includes a first body <NUM>, a second body <NUM> and a curved body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> is formed to define a first flowpath and is extendable in a first direction D1 from the first body wall <NUM>. The first direction D1 is transversely oriented relative to the plane P of the first body wall <NUM> and may be perpendicularly oriented relative to the plane P. The second body <NUM> is formed to define a second flowpath and is extendable in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 may be transversely oriented relative to the first direction D1 and may be substantially parallel with the plane P. The curved body <NUM> forms a smooth, low-profile and aerodynamic surface that minimally inhibits the flows of the RAM air. The curved body <NUM> is fluidly interposed between the first and second bodies <NUM> and <NUM> such that the second flowpath is receptive of fluid from the first flowpath. The first body wall <NUM> is formed to define holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) which are respectively communicative with interiors of each of the nozzles <NUM>.

The RIH <NUM> further includes a manifold <NUM> and a tubular body <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> includes a manifold intake <NUM> (see <FIG>) and is disposed at an exterior surface of the first body wall <NUM> at an exterior of the body <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> is configured to distribute the cooled air to each nozzle <NUM> via the holes <NUM>. The tubular body <NUM> is configured to transport the cooled air from the intake <NUM>.

Thus, cooled air provided from the first and second sources <NUM> and <NUM> is transported through the first and second passageways <NUM> and <NUM> to the tubular body <NUM>, which in turn transports the cooled air to the nozzles <NUM> via the holes <NUM>. Within the nozzles <NUM>, the cooled air moves through the first flowpaths and then the second flowpaths and is exhausted into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM>. In accordance with embodiments, the manifold <NUM> and the nozzles <NUM> may each be configured such that a predominant flow direction of the cooled air leaving the second body <NUM> of each nozzle <NUM> opposes a predominant flow direction of the cooled air in the tubular body <NUM>.

In accordance with embodiments, each of the nozzles <NUM> may have a substantially uniform shape and size although it is to be understood that some of the nozzles <NUM> may be differently configured from others or otherwise unique. For example, in some embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> in a central region of the body <NUM> maybe larger than the nozzles <NUM> proximate to the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. As a general matter, the nozzles <NUM> are respectively sized and shaped to provide the curtain of the cooled air as a substantially uniform curtain along the first body wall <NUM>.

In accordance with embodiments, the plurality of nozzles <NUM> may be arranged in a linear formation with substantially uniform spacing between neighboring nozzles <NUM> along the first body wall <NUM> although it is to be understood that some of the nozzles <NUM> may be arranged differently. For example, in some embodiments, the nozzles <NUM> may be concentrated more in a central region of the body <NUM> than the nozzles <NUM> proximate to the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. As a general matter, the nozzles <NUM> are respectively arranged to provide the curtain of the cooled air as a substantially uniform curtain along the first body wall <NUM>.

In accordance with embodiments, a height H of each of the nozzles <NUM> may be substantially less than a distance DS between the first body wall <NUM> and the second body wall <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this way, the curtain of cooled air is provided at or proximate to the first body wall <NUM>. However, in accordance with embodiments, the height H of each of the nozzles <NUM> as measured from the first body wall <NUM> may be variable (the variability of the height H may be provided by electro-magnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms as will be described below). Thus, it is possible that the plurality of the nozzles <NUM> can be configured as a whole to provide the curtain of cooled air with varying characteristics. For example, the nozzles <NUM> in a central region of the body <NUM> can have different heights H as compared to the nozzles <NUM> proximate to the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> such that the curtain of cooled air is has a convex or concave shape.

With reference to <FIG> and to <FIG>, each nozzle <NUM> may be independently or dependently extendable or retractable electro-magnetically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

For the electro-magnetic and hydraulic extension and retraction, as shown in <FIG>, a controller <NUM> may be provided with a servo control unit <NUM> that is coupled to one or more of the nozzles <NUM>. The controller <NUM> determines when the cooled air from the sources <NUM> and <NUM> should be provided into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM> (i.e., when the cooled air is colder than the RAM air) and accordingly instructs the servo control unit <NUM> as to when to activate the one or more of the nozzles <NUM>. Upon receiving such instruction, the servo control unit <NUM> engages to move the one or more of the nozzles <NUM> from stowed positions (see <FIG>) at an exterior of the body <NUM> to active positions within the body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

For the hydraulic and pneumatic extension and retraction, as shown in <FIG>, a controller <NUM> may be provided with a servo control unit <NUM> that is coupled to a valve <NUM> in the tubular body <NUM>. The controller <NUM> determines when the cooled air from the sources <NUM> and <NUM> should be provided into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM> (i.e., when the cooled air is colder than the RAM air) and accordingly instructs the servo control unit <NUM> as to when to open the valve <NUM>. Upon receiving such instruction, the servo control unit <NUM> engages to open the valve <NUM> which results in the nozzles <NUM> inflating from uninflated conditions (see <FIG>) to inflated conditions (see <FIG>).

With reference to <FIG> and, in accordance with further embodiments, while the nozzles <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> as being provided as a plurality of nozzles <NUM>, it is to be understood that the nozzles <NUM> may be provided as one or more nozzles <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a single nozzle <NUM> may be provided in a central region of the body <NUM>. This single nozzle <NUM> may be configured to provide for the formation of the curtain of cooled air by an outward tapering of at least the second body <NUM>.

With reference back to <FIG> and with additional reference to <FIG>, the nozzle body <NUM> can be provided as a slotted air nozzle <NUM> disposed along the first body wall <NUM> to direct the cooled air into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the slotted air nozzle <NUM> includes a first nozzle wall <NUM> and a second nozzle wall <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first nozzle wall <NUM> is extendable in a first direction D1 (see <FIG>) from the first body wall <NUM>. The first direction D1 is transversely oriented relative to the plane P of the first body wall <NUM> and may be perpendicularly oriented relative to the plane P. The first nozzle wall <NUM> is formed to define a slot <NUM> (see <FIG>). The slot <NUM> extends above and along the plane P of the first body wall <NUM> along substantially an entire length of the slotted air nozzle <NUM> (i.e., the slot <NUM> may be slightly shorter than the first and second nozzle walls <NUM> and <NUM>). The second nozzle wall <NUM> is displaced, at the plane P of the first body wall <NUM>, aft from the first nozzle wall <NUM> relative to a predominant direction of the RAM air flows through the body <NUM>. The second nozzle wall <NUM> is curvi-linearly extendable from the first body wall <NUM> toward a distal edge of the first nozzle wall <NUM> so as to form a smooth, low-profile and aerodynamic surface that minimally inhibits the flows of the RAM air. The first body wall <NUM> is formed to define holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) which are respectively communicative with an interior of the slotted air nozzle <NUM>.

As noted above, the RIH <NUM> further includes the manifold <NUM> and the tubular body <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> includes the manifold intake <NUM> (see <FIG>) and is disposed at the exterior surface of the first body wall <NUM> at the exterior of the body <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> is configured to distribute the cooled air to the slotted air nozzle <NUM> via the holes <NUM>. The tubular body <NUM> is configured to transport the cooled air to the intake <NUM>.

Thus, the cooled air provided from the first and second sources <NUM> and <NUM> is transported through the first and second passageways <NUM> and <NUM> to the tubular body <NUM>, which in turn transports the cooled air to the slotted air nozzle <NUM> via the holes <NUM>. Within the slotted air nozzle <NUM>, the cooled air moves between the first and second nozzle walls <NUM> and <NUM> and is exhausted into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM> via the slot <NUM>. In accordance with embodiments, the manifold <NUM> and the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may each be configured such that a predominant flow direction of the cooled air flowing through the slot <NUM> opposes a predominant flow direction of the cooled air in the tubular body <NUM>.

In accordance with embodiments, the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may have a substantially uniform linear shape that extends along the first body wall <NUM> although it is to be understood that alternate configurations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may be curved forwardly or aft from a central region of the body <NUM> toward the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. As a general matter, the slotted air nozzle <NUM> is sized and shaped to provide the curtain of the cooled air as a substantially uniform curtain along the first body wall <NUM>.

In accordance with embodiments, a height H of the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may be substantially less than the distance DS between the first body wall <NUM> and the second body wall <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this way, the curtain of cooled air is provided at or proximate to the first body wall <NUM>. However, in accordance with embodiments, the height H of the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may be variable as a whole or along its length (the variability of the height H may be provided by electro-magnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms as will be described below). Thus, it is possible that the slotted air nozzle <NUM> can be configured as a whole to provide the curtain of cooled air with varying characteristics. For example, portion of the slotted air nozzle <NUM> in the central region of the body <NUM> can have a different height H as compared to the portions of the slotted air nozzle <NUM> proximate to the sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> such that the curtain of cooled air is has a convex or concave shape.

With reference to <FIG> and to <FIG>, the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may be extendable or retractable electro-magnetically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

For the electro-magnetic and hydraulic extension and retraction, as shown in <FIG>, a controller <NUM> may be provided with a servo control unit <NUM> coupled to the slotted air nozzle <NUM>. The controller <NUM> determines when the cooled air from the sources <NUM> and <NUM> should be provided into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM> (i.e., when the cooled air is colder than the RAM air) and accordingly instructs the servo control unit <NUM> as to when to activate the slotted air nozzle <NUM>. Upon receiving such instruction, the servo control unit <NUM> engages to move the slotted air nozzle <NUM> from the stowed position (see <FIG>) at an exterior of the body <NUM> to an active position within the body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

For the hydraulic and pneumatic extension and retraction, as shown in <FIG>, a controller <NUM> may be provided with a servo control unit <NUM> that is coupled to a valve <NUM> in the tubular body <NUM>. The controller <NUM> determines when the cooled air from the sources <NUM> and <NUM> should be provided into the flows of the RAM air and toward the first heat exchanger <NUM> (i.e., when the cooled air is colder than the RAM air) and accordingly instructs the servo control unit <NUM> as to when to open the valve <NUM>. Upon receiving such instruction, the servo control unit <NUM> engages to open the valve <NUM> which results in the slotted air nozzle <NUM> inflating from an uninflated condition (see <FIG>) to an inflated condition (see <FIG>).

With reference to <FIG> and, in accordance with further embodiments, while the slotted air nozzle <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> as being provided as a singular element, it is to be understood that one or more slotted air nozzles <NUM> may be provided. For example, as shown in <FIG>, two slotted air nozzles <NUM> may be provided at opposite sides of the body <NUM>. The two slotted air nozzles <NUM> may be respectively configured to cooperatively provide for the formation of the curtain of cooled air by being similarly curved along the first body wall <NUM>.

While the various embodiments described herein are generally described separately, it is to be understood that they may be combined in various combinations and permutations. For example, one or more of the nozzles <NUM> may be combined with the slotted air nozzle <NUM> to provide for the formation of the curtain of cooled air. In addition, each of the nozzles <NUM> and the slotted air nozzle <NUM> can be formed of metallic, molded or composite (e.g., carbon-fiber) materials. In particular, in the cases of the nozzles <NUM> and the slotted air nozzle <NUM> being inflatable as shown in <FIG> and in <FIG>, the nozzles <NUM> and the slotted air nozzle <NUM> may be formed of elastomeric and/or compliant materials (e.g., rubber).

With reference to <FIG>, a method of operating an RIH as described above is provided and includes determining a temperature of RAM air flows in a body through which RAM air flows from an inlet toward a heat exchanger (<NUM>) and determining a temperature of excess air for use in an environmental control system (ECS) (<NUM>). In an event the temperature of the excess air is less than the temperature of the RAM air flows (<NUM>), the method further includes directing a curtain of the excess air from a nozzle body, which is disposed proximate to a cold-cold corner of the heat exchanger, and along a plane of a wall of the body into flows of the RAM air and toward the heat exchanger (<NUM>). The method may further include electro-magnetically, hydraulically or pneumatically extending the nozzle body in the event the temperature of the excess air is less than the temperature of the RAM air flows and electro-magnetically, hydraulically or pneumatically retracting the nozzle body in the event the temperature of the excess air is greater than the temperature of the RAM air flows.

Technical effects and benefits of the disclosure are the efficient direction of excess turbine cooling air towards the cold-cold corner of the RAM heat exchanger using lightweight elements without obstructing other flows or causing excessive pressure drops.

Claim 1:
A RAM inlet header (RIH) (<NUM>) and heat exchanger within the RAM inlet header, comprising:
a body (<NUM>) through which RAM air flows from an inlet (<NUM>) toward said heat exchanger;
a nozzle body (<NUM>) arranged along a wall of the body to be extendable into and retractable from an interior of the body,
the nozzle body being configured to form a curtain of cooled air along the wall when extended into the interior and to thereby direct the curtain of cooled air into flows of the RAM air and toward the heat exchanger,
the nozzle body comprising:
a first body (<NUM>), which is formed to define a first flowpath and which is extendable in a first direction from the wall of the body;
a second body (<NUM>), which is formed to define a second flowpath and which is extendable in a second direction along a plane of the wall of the body; the RAM inlet header being characterized in that:
a curved body (<NUM>) is interposed between the first (<NUM>) and second bodies (<NUM>) by which the second flowpath is receptive of fluid from the first flowpath; wherein
the nozzle is electro magnetically, hydraulically or pneumatically extendable and retractable.