Opportunity

Opportunity

Environmental Control Systems are the most energy demanding sub-system aboard commercial aircraft.

Non-propulsive systems utilize up to 7% of engine power. 

Environmental control systems consume 75% of non-propulsive power. 

The major factors in ECS power consumption are compressing external fresh air and additional drag due to ram air intake.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

Implement innovative technologies to reduce ECS power consumption

Resulting in 2% engine fuel burn reduction

How it Works

Current ECSFlow Control Valve RAM Air IntakeECS PacksMixing ChamberHEPA FilterRecirculation FanOutboard Air ValvesAQ SensorsAdaptive ECSFlow Control Valve CO2 & VOC FiltersThe Send AQ sensor monitors the quality of the air inside the cabin and efficiently regulates the entry of new air from the mixing chamber.AQ SensorsRemoves volatile organic compounds and uses catalytic converters to treat harmful gasesCO2 & VOC FiltersAllows airflow from the Turbine to enter the ECSFlow Control Valve

Current Environmental Control Systems (ECSs)
typically combine outside air and recirculated air from the cabin. There is no direct control of cabin air quality levels.

Adaptive Environmental Control System (aECS)
adds adaptive external air flow regulation.
Air quality sensors
Highly sensitive, low drift, and long-life sensor suite capable of detecting gaseous contaminants below the levels which are considered danger­ous to health
CO2 and VOC filters
Efficient and long-life gas purifi­cation system capable of reliably removing hazardous species when necessary
Adaptive flow control valve
Regulates air treatment and optimiz­es the mixing of outside and treated recirculated air
RESULT:
Reducing the outside air intake and increasing air recirculation can result in fuel savings without affecting cabin air quality

PARTNERS

KEY CAPABILITIES & PRODUCTS TASKS
United Technologies Research Center
  • System level modelling
  • Control
  • Management and dissemination
  • aECS definition, modelling, simulation, control
Nord Micro
UTC Aerospace Systems
  • Ventilation control system design, modelling and simulation
  • System integration and demonstration
PALL Aerospace
  • Air filtration technology
  • HEPA filters and odour removal
  • Gaseous contaminant removal
  • Air treatment technology development
Airsense Analytics
  • Air sensing technology
  • Aerotracer: mobile device for detection, identification and localization of the source of chemicals/smells in or around the aircraft
  • Air quality sensor development

TIMELINE