System and method for replacing an engine powered air conditioning unit with an electric air conditioning unit in an aircraft

摘要

A system and method of altering the air conditioning system in an aircraft so that the air conditioning system is electrically powered rather than engine powered. The aircraft is rid of the air conditioning components that are dedicated to the engine powered system. A new electric compressor, evaporator and condenser blower assembly are then installed. Heat exchanger units are installed in the areas of the aircraft that are to be cooled. The new air conditioning system has two circulatory loops. In a refrigerant loop, refrigerant is circulated between the electric compressor, evaporator and condenser. This cools the evaporator. The evaporator is then used to cool circulating liquid coolant. The coolant is circulated to the heat exchange units.

主权项

1. In an aircraft having pressurized compartment containing passenger seats adjacent a center isle, overhead panels above the passenger seats, and an accessible compartment below the center isle, wherein the aircraft has an air conditioning system with a condenser and a mechanically driven compressor, and wherein said mechanically driven compressor is driven by an engine of said aircraft, a method of reconfiguring said air conditioning system, comprising the steps of:
removing said mechanically driven compressor; installing an electric compressor into said accessible compartment under said center isle of said aircraft; installing an evaporator into said accessible compartment under said center isle of said aircraft; circulating refrigerant between said electric compressor, said condenser and said evaporator, wherein said refrigerant cools said evaporator; installing heat exchanger units within said overhead panels above said passenger seats of said aircraft; running tubing in said aircraft between said heat exchanger units and said evaporator; circulating liquid coolant between said heat exchanger units and said evaporator, wherein said liquid coolant is cooled by said evaporator.