Abstract: The expansion device in a refrigeration or air conditioning system is an expressor. The expresser is made up of a twin screw expander and a twin screw compressor with rotors of the expander functioning as timing gears.

Abstract: A process employing a rotary axial turbine, and a nozzle, that includes providing a working fluid expansible from a characteristic supercritical region into the wet region, expanding the fluid from said supercritical region into the wet region via the nozzle and turbine blades, and providing an output shaft driven by the turbine.

Abstract: A cyclic circuit (20) is constructed by sequentially connecting an expander (22), a heat exchanger (30) and a compressor (21). A dehumidifying mechanism (60) is provided for dehumidifying a heat-absorbing air taken in through an inlet duct (23). An internal heat exchanger (15) is provided for cooling the dehumidified heat-absorbing air and then supplying it to the expander (22). The heat-absorbing air expands in the expander (22) to reduce its temperature. Since the heat-absorbing air has been dehumidified in advance, the moisture thereof does not condense during the expansion thereof. The heat-absorbing air having reached a low temperature through expansion flows into the heat exchanger (30) and absorbs heat from a room air therein. Thereafter, the heat-absorbing air is compressed in the compressor (21), regenerates a rotor member (61) and is then discharged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dehumidification in air conditioners comprising an expansion stage, a condenser and comprising a water separator disposed upstream of the expansion stage. A dehumidification system with reduced system construction volume, reduced weight and increased reliability and improved system efficiency at lower cost is formed in accordance with the invention in that the condenser is formed by a heat exchanger (RAM heat exchanger) cooled with ambient air or stagnation air or with another fluid, with the exception of process air, to which the compressed air to be dehumidified is fed on the compressed air side.

Abstract: An air cycle system for use in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. A compressor has an outflow to an intercooler with an outflow to a first bypass valve. The first bypass valve has an open and a closed orientation, directing air to the engine of the vehicle in the open orientation and directing air to an expander in the closed orientation. The expander has an outflow to a second bypass valve that is adjustable so it can direct a variable fraction of air to the engine and the remainder of the air to an air handling unit. The air handling unit has at least a fan, a scroll center, and first and second air flow paths. The first air flow path has an input at the scroll center from the second bypass valve and the second air flow path has an input at the fan from the interior of the vehicle. The air handling unit mixes air from the first and second flow paths and directs the mixed air to the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A first channel (20) is formed by sequentially connecting a compressor (21), a heat exchanger (30) and an expander (22). In the first channel (20), an outside air is taken through a first inlet duct (23) and supplied to a room through a first outlet duct (24). A second channel (40) is formed by connecting both ends of the heat exchanger (30) to ducts (43, 44). In the second channel (40), a room air is taken through the second inlet duct (43) and discharged to outdoors through the second outlet duct (44). A moisture absorbing section (62) of a dehumidifying mechanism (60) is provided in the first inlet duct (23), while a moisture releasing section (63) thereof is provided in the second inlet duct (43). A rotor member (61) including a solid adsorbent rotatively moves between the moisture absorbing section (62) and the moisture releasing section (63). Air dehumidified in the moisture absorbing section (62) is supplied to the compressor (21).

Abstract: An environmental control system (ECS) includes an air cycle machine (ACM) subsystem that is in a heat exchange relationship with one or more liquid cycle subsystems. Compressed air which exits a compressor section of the ACM is communicated to a reheater and a condenser to further cool the water vapor bearing air by condensing and separating the water into a water extractor. Dehumidified air exits the extractor and is communicated to an air-liquid heat exchanger to absorb a first heat load. The heated dehumidified air recovers thermal energy from the air-liquid heat exchanger and is expanded over a first turbine. The expanded air is communicated through the condenser and reheater such that the expanded air absorbs thermal energy therefrom. The recovered thermal energy in the expanded air then used by a second turbine to increase its efficiency. The expanded air from the second turbine is placed in the thermal exchange with a second air-liquid heat exchanger to absorb a second heat load.

Abstract: An environmental control system (ECS) includes an air cycle machine (ACM) subsystem that is in a heat exchange relationship with one or more liquid cycle subsystems. Compressed air which exits a compressor section of the ACM is communicated to a reheater and a condenser to further cool the water vapor bearing air by condensing and separating the water into a water extractor. Dehumidified air exits the extractor and is communicated to an air-liquid heat exchanger to absorb a first heat load. The heated dehumidified air recovers thermal energy from the air-liquid heat exchanger and is expanded over a first turbine. The expanded air is communicated through the condenser and reheater such that the expanded air absorbs thermal energy therefrom. The recovered thermal energy in the expanded air then used by a second turbine to increase its efficiency. The expanded air from the second turbine is placed in the thermal exchange with a second air-liquid heat exchanger to absorb a second heat load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unitary sliding-vane type compressor-expander comprising a housing with a compressor inlet and outlet, and an expander inlet and outlet. A single rotor is disposed therein defining in cooperation with the housing a compression chamber on one side and an expansion chamber on the opposite side. The rotor includes a plurality of regularly spaced vanes slidingly disposed in slots about the periphery of the rotor. The bottoms of the vane slots may be vented through a passage in the housing to the inlet air, or alternatively through a groove between the vane and vane slot to the compression or exhaust chambers. Permanent magnets are used in the vanes and housing to increase or decrease the contact force between the vane tip and housing. An integral condenser-humidifier is provided in the path of the expanded gas exhausting from the turbine outlet for condensing water out of the expanded gas and returning the condensed water to the compressor-expander.

Abstract: A refrigerating method and system using compressed, filtered, dehumidified, turbo expanded and re-circulated air for the enclosed refrigerated environment. Compressed air passes via a series of moisture-removal devices (12, 24, 32), dust filter (52), heat exchanger (60), turbine expander (65), impeller fan (92), vacuum refrigeration chamber (70) and muffler (98).

Abstract: A system and method of supplying temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system during ground support operations that uses an air amplifier to control the flow rate of cooling air through a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger removes heat from a flow of compressed air supplied to the air conditioning unit and supplies cooled compressed air at a predetermined temperature. The flow of the cooled compressed air is controlled by using the air amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioning system for the air conditioning of a space, in particular for the air conditioning of an aeroplane cabin, comprising a heat exchanger for the cooling of a compressed air flow (tapped air flow) originating from an engine or an auxiliary unit and comprising at least one expansion device per air cycle machine (ACM) for the expansion and cooling of compressed air, wherein the expansion devices are disposed after the heat exchanger and are in connection on the outlet side with a mixing chamber or the space to be air conditioned.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system, refrigerant compressed in a first compressor is cooled and condensed in a radiator, and refrigerant from the radiator branches into main-flow refrigerant and supplementary-flow refrigerant. The main-flow refrigerant is decompressed in an expansion unit while expansion energy of the main-flow refrigerant is converted to mechanical energy. Thus, the enthalpy of the main-flow refrigerant is reduced along an isentropic curve. Therefore, even when the pressure within the evaporator increases, refrigerating effect is prevented from being greatly reduced in the refrigerant cycle system. Further, refrigerant flowing into the radiator is compressed using the converted mechanical energy. Thus, coefficient of performance of the refrigerant cycle system is improved.

Abstract: A cycle-side system (20) is formed by duct connecting a compressor (21), a heat exchanger (30), a demoisturizer (22), and an expansion device (23) in that order. The compressor (21) draws in room air and supply air for ventilation and compresses the same. The compressed air exchanges heat with exhaust air for ventilation in the heat exchanger (30), thereby being cooled. Water vapor in the cooled, compressed air is removed in the demoisturizer (22). The demoisturizer (22) is provided with a separation membrane and separates water vapor in the compressed air without the occurrence of condensation. Thereafter, the compressed air is expanded in the expansion device (23) to change into low-temperature air. The low-temperature air is supplied into a room. On the other hand, the heat exchanger (30) is fed exhaust air cooled in a humidifying cooler (41).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for air conditioning for an aircraft cabin (30) comprising at least two distinct turbomachines (1, 2), at least one of which is motorised. When the pressure difference between the cabin and the atmosphere is greater than an upper pressure difference threshold, an economy mode is activated, in which the second turbine stage (23) is supplied exclusively by an air output obtained from the cabin (30). When the pressure difference is lower than a lower pressure difference threshold, a cold mode is activated, in which the compression stages (11, 21) of the turbomachines (1, 2) are connected in series. The drive speed of at least one motor (12, 22) is adjusted such as to adjust the refrigerating power supplied.

Abstract: An all electric air conditioning system for an aircraft, wherein the aircraft defines an interior volume having conditioned air at a first pressure. A compressor is provided and is operable to compress supply air to a second pressure. The compressor being operated in response to an electrical drive motor. A passage fluidly couples the compressor and the interior volume of the aircraft. A heat dissipating device, such as a heat exchanger, is positioned in the passage to extract heat energy from the supply air. This arrangement permits conditioning of air within the aircraft without using bleed air from the engines. The use of bleed air results in a significant amount of fuel burn. An optional conditioned air recovery system may be coupled to the interior volume of the fuselage to direct at least a portion of the conditioned air from the interior volume back for further conditioning and use.

Abstract: An all electric air conditioning system for an aircraft, wherein the aircraft defines an interior volume having conditioned air at a first pressure. A compressor is provided and is operable to compress supply air to a second pressure. The compressor being operated in response to an electrical drive motor. A passage fluidly couples the compressor and the interior volume of the aircraft. A heat dissipating device, such as a heat exchanger, is positioned in the passage to extract heat energy from the supply air. This arrangement permits conditioning of air within the aircraft without using bleed air from the engines. The use of bleed air results in a significant amount of fuel burn. An optional conditioned air recovery system may be coupled to the interior volume of the fuselage to direct at least a portion of the conditioned air from the interior volume back for further conditioning and use.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for airplanes is proposed in which a portion of the fresh airflow to be prepared is tapped at high pressure from a power unit and another portion is sucked in from the surroundings. The energy potential of the tapped airflow is utilized to compress the ambient air. The compressed ambient air and the tapped air are mixed into a mixed airflow before the mixed airflow's pressure is expanded in one or more turbine stages (T1, T2). Water is separated from the mixed airflow between the mixing point (X) and the first turbine stage 1 (T1). In order to cool down the tapped airflow to a temperature at which water can be separated at all, the tapped airflow is guided past the entire cooler mixed airflow, preferably in two steps (REH, CON), namely once before the pressure expansion and another time after the pressure expansion of the mixed airflow in the first turbine stage (T1) .

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a supply of bleed air from an aircraft engine to a system using such bleed air, including passing the bleed air to a turbine over which the air is expanded to produce a power output, and regulating the power output thereby to control the condition of the air downstream of the turbine.

Abstract: An air cycle cooling system for cooling a first heat load and a second heat load, the system including a compressor to pressurise air in the system, and an expansion apparatus for allowing the compressed air to expand and cool for use in cooling the first and second heat loads, and wherein at least a proportion of the air utilised for cooling the first heat load is recycled to the compressor and at least a proportion of the air utilised for cooling the second heat load is utilised as a coolant in a primary heat exchanger to cool the air from the first heat load prior to the air from the first heat load being expanded in the expansion apparatus.

Abstract: In an air conditioner, air extracted from engine is fed through a main air flow path into cabin after being cooled by a cooling device. This extracted air is fed into the cabin through an auxiliary air flow path. The air within the cabin flows out through an outflow air flow path. A plurality of adsorption sections are constituted by an adsorption agent that adsorbs molecules contained in the air and releases adsorbed molecules by being raised in temperature to more than the temperature thereof on adsorption. By control of an air flow changeover mechanism by a controller, each of the adsorption sections is changed over between a condition connected with the auxiliary air flow path and a condition connected with the outflow air flow path.

Abstract: An aircraft air conditioner uses a cooling device to cool air extracted from an engine before feeding it into a cabin. This extracted air is mixed with recirculation air that is returned to the cabin after flowing out from the cabin. The mixture of the recirculation air and the extracted air is fed into an air separating section. This air separating section has a selectively permeable membrane that separates the air flowing through an air flow path of the air conditioner into nitrogen-enriched gas and oxygen-concentrated air. The nitrogen-enriched gas is capable of being fed into a fuel peripheral region of the aircraft, and the oxygen-concentrated air is capable of being fed into the cabin.

Abstract: A compressor (21), a heat exchanger (30), a demoisturizer (22), and an expansion device (23) are duct connected in that order to form a heat source-side system (20). The compressor (21) draws and compresses outdoor air and exhaust air for ventilation. The compressed air is subjected to heat exchange with air for conditioning in the heat exchanger (30). The compressed air is demoisturized in the demoisturizer (22). Thereafter, the compressed air is expanded in the expansion device (23), changes to low-temperature air, and then is expelled to outside the room. On the other hand, the conditioning air is delivered, through an inlet duct (43), to the heat exchanger (30). The conditioning air is a mixture of supply air for ventilation and air in the room. The conditioning air is subjected to heat exchange with the compressed air in the heat exchanger (30), whereby the conditioning air is heated. Further, the conditioning air is humidified in a humidifying part (42).

Abstract: A gas compressor refrigeration system including a chiller for cooling gas, a separator for separating condensate from the gas, and a reheater for heating the gas. The system also includes a closed refrigerant system which passes a charge of refrigerant in series, through a compression unit, then through the reheater in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with the gas, then through a condenser in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with ambient air, and then through the chiller.

Abstract: A heat exchanger subsystem for an environmental control system comprises a heat exchanger array having a plurality of heat exchanger elements that operate in parallel to an inlet cooling airflow to the heat exchanger array such that each load heat exchanger is connected to a separate load with each heat transfer loop operating in substantially independent fashion without load interaction effects. In addition, continuous ice and water removal is provided allowing continuous subfreezing operation improving cooling performance along with anti-ice provisions which recover rejected heat for improved energy efficiency. The heat exchanger elements may include air-to-air heat exchanger cores, liquid-to-air heat exchanger cores, and hot bars internal or external to the heat exchanger cores.

Abstract: An integrated environmental control system for providing conditioned air supply in an aircraft is provided. The system includes an integrated bootstrap air cycle subsystem and a regenerative air cycle subsystem, which are in heat exchange relationship. The bootstrap and the regenerative air cycle systems are also in heat exchange relationship with a liquid cooling cycle subsystem. In the bootstrap cycle, bleed air is compressed and expanded. After absorbing heat from the liquid cycle, the expanded air from the bootstrap cycle is received and expanded by a first turbine of the regenerative air cycle. Before it is received by a compressor of the regenerative cycle, the air flow, which is expanded and cooled by the first turbine, absorbs heat from the liquid cycle, supplies air to the cabin and absorbs heat from the bootstrap cycle. After the compression, the air flow is received by a second turbine of the regenerative cycle and expanded.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and method are provided for use in an aircraft having a pressurized area and an unpressurized area. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioning pack located in the unpressurized area of the aircraft that conditions fresh air. The air conditioning system also includes a first air duct for directing a flow of recirculation air from the pressurized area, through a pressure bulkhead, and into the unpressurized area. A mixer is also provided and advantageously positioned in the unpressurized area for mixing the conditioned air from the air conditioning pack and the recirculation air from the pressurized area. Advantageously, the mixer obviates the need for a mix manifold and saves valuable space for passengers, cargo, and other aircraft equipment. The air conditioning system also includes a second air duct that directs the mixture of conditioned air and recirculation air from the mixer to the pressurized area of the aircraft.

Abstract: A heat exchanger subsystem for an environmental control system comprises a heat exchanger array having a plurality of heat exchanger elements that operate in parallel to an inlet cooling airflow to the heat exchanger array such that each load heat exchanger is connected to a separate load with each heat transfer loop operating in substantially independent fashion without load interaction effects. In addition, continuous ice and water removal is provided allowing continuous subfreezing operation improving cooling performance along with anti-ice provisions which recover rejected heat for improved energy efficiency. The heat exchanger elements may include air-to-air heat exchanger cores, liquid-to-air heat exchanger cores, and hot bars internal or external to the heat exchanger cores.

Abstract: In an air cycle machine, a turbine is driven by an engine bleed air, and the turbine power is mechanically transmitted to a compressor to compress the engine bleed air or open air. An electric motor may be provided to electrically drive the compressor, if necessary, to thereby serve as an auxiliary power for the turbine power. The air cycle machine is used for an air conditioning system for an aircraft, wherein open air or engine fan air is raised in its pressure by taking advantage of the compressor driven by the turbine power to use as a ventilation air. Therefore, a consumption of the engine bleed air having a high energy level can be efficiently reduced.

Abstract: A climate control system includes an electromagnetic compressor that receives a noble gas in a first state and compresses the gas to a second state without a change in phase. The climate control system also includes a gas cooler operatively connected to the electromagnetic compressor, such that the gas cooler receives the gas in the second state and cools the gas to a third state without a change of phase. The climate control system further includes a power generator operatively connected to said gas cooler, such that the power generator receives the gas in the third state and decreases a pressure and an enthalpy of the gas without changing phase to a fourth state. The climate control system still further includes a cooler core operatively connected to the power generator, such that the cooler core receives the gas in the fourth state and air to be cooled, and operatively extracts heat from the air and returns the gas without changing phase to the first state.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air-conditioning system for passenger aircraft for conditioning humidity-containing air under excess pressure for air-conditioning a passenger aircraft cabin, comprising at least one compressor and two expansion turbines, where in accordance with the invention a droplet coalescing device with succeeding water separator is disposed between the expansion turbines.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for an aircraft includes a first rotatable shaft with a first compressor, a first turbine, a cooling air fan, and an auxiliary compressor connected for rotation therewith, and preferably further includes a second rotatable shaft with a second compressor and a second turbine connected for rotation therewith. A compression, cooling, and expansion cycle driven by at least the first compressor and the first turbine provides a principle flow of air conditioning air. The auxiliary compressor draws in outside air and provides a redundant auxiliary ventilation air flow, which is supplied into the installation space in which the air conditioning unit is installed, or another space in the aircraft that requires a reliable constant ventilation and cooling whenever the air conditioning unit is operational. The auxiliary ventilation air may be connected to a common air distribution network with other air conditioning units.

Abstract: The efficiency and capacity of an air compressor (10) (FIG. 1) are increased by pre-cooling the inlet air to below the dew point in air chiller (11), and then injecting the resulting condensate into the chilled air in the form of fog-sized droplets in a fogger (16). The advantages extend to combustion engines, and especially to regenerative combustion turbines.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and method are provided for use in an aircraft having a pressurized area and an unpressurized area. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioning pack located in the unpressurized area of the aircraft that conditions fresh air. The air conditioning system also includes a first air duct for directing a flow of recirculation air from the pressurized area, through a pressure bulkhead, and into the unpressurized area. A mixer is also provided and advantageously positioned in the unpressurized area for mixing the conditioned air from the air conditioning pack and the recirculation air from the pressurized area. Advantageously, the mixer obviates the need for a mix manifold and saves valuable space for passengers, cargo, and other aircraft equipment. The air conditioning system also includes a second air duct that directs the mixture of conditioned air and recirculation air from the mixer to the pressurized area of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of a liquid by condensation from a gas stream, wherein the gas stream contains the liquid mainly as fluid steam, includes expanding the gas stream in an expansion device and condensing at least a portion of the liquid downstream from the expansion device. The gas stream is then recompressed by at least one compressing device.

Abstract: An air cycle air conditioning system is provided that utilizes the compartment to be cooled as a heat storage chamber within the system. In an automobile environment, the use of the enclosed passenger compartment as a heat storage chamber within the air cycle system enables the construction and implementation of a compact low energy consumption air conditioning system within the automobile. Through the use of valves within the system, the air cycle air conditioner is easily converted into a heat pump for the passenger compartment. The system of the present invention can be implemented in industrial, commercial, residential and/or automobile applications.

Abstract: A method of freezing a product, which method comprises the steps of vaporizing a cryogenic liquid and warming the vapor thus formed in indirect heat exchange with a product to be frozen, work expanding the warmed vapor, and using the work expanded vapor thus obtained to refrigerate the or another product.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a target in a region having a first pressure. The apparatus includes a compressor for compressing a gas to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, means for cooling the compressed gas to a selected temperature downstream of the compressor, and means for discharging the compressed gas towards the target at a selected rate downstream of the cooling means. A pressure tank is provided downstream of the compressor for receiving compressed gas from the compressor and supplying the gas to the discharging means. The second pressure, selected temperature, and selected rate are chosen so as to cool the target upon expansion of the gas in the region. A method of cooling a target using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system for an aircraft, two pre-mixing units respectively mix cold air from two air conditioning units with recirculated fuselage interior air from two recirculation units, to prepare two pre-mixed air flows that are both directed into and mixed together in a common air distribution mixing chamber from which mixed air distribution lines branch off to respectively associated separate air conditioning zones within the fuselage. Post-mixing units are respectively interposed in the mixed air distribution lines and respectively mix additional quantities of recirculated fuselage interior air into the mixed air distribution lines. Thereby, the admixture of recirculated air is divided into at least two stages, the system provides redundant failure tolerant operation, and the danger of ice formation in the air lines is reliably prevented even while the air conditioning units provide cold air at a temperature below the water freezing point.

Abstract: A method for generating refrigeration for application to a heat load, especially at very cold temperatures, using an environmentally benign working gas such as air and using an upstream precooling circuit to reduce or eliminate inefficiencies stemming from warm end pinch.

Abstract: An air cycling type air-conditioner includes: a heat exchanger (3); a compressor (1) compressing suction air and transferring the compressed air to the heat exchanger (3), and compressing air transferred from the heat exchanger (3) and transferring the compressed air as supply air; an expander (4) expanding the suction air and transferring the expanded air to the heat exchanger (3), and expanding air transferred from the heat exchanger (3) and transferring the expanded air as the supply air; and a motor (2) driving the compressor (1) and the expander (4).

Abstract: An air conditioning system for an aircraft includes a first rotatable shaft with a first compressor, a first turbine, a cooling air fan, and an auxiliary compressor connected for rotation therewith, and preferably further includes a second rotatable shaft with a second compressor and a second turbine connected for rotation therewith. A compression, cooling, and expansion cycle driven by at least the first compressor and the first turbine provides a principle flow of air conditioning air. The auxiliary compressor draws in outside air and provides a redundant auxiliary ventilation air flow, which is supplied into the installation space in which the air conditioning unit is installed, or another space in the aircraft that requires a reliable constant ventilation and cooling whenever the air conditioning unit is operational. The auxiliary ventilation air may be connected to a common air distribution network with other air conditioning units.

Abstract: A system for air-conditioning the cabin of a passenger aircraft using externally provided fresh air as well as bleed air tapped from the engine of the aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger (4, 5), a blower (7), a compressor (8), an expansion turbine (9), a condenser (11), a reheater (10), a first high pressure water separator (13), and a second low pressure water separator (12). The several components are connected to each other by air lines such as air ducts, with control valves interposed therein. Two separate air-flow paths representing two different sub-systems are formed. A first air-flow path uses the high pressure water separator while a second air-flow path uses the low pressure water separator. These two air-flow paths or sub-systems can be operated separately and independently of each other by appropriately switching respective shut-off valves.

Abstract: An air conditioner has an evaporator, a main compressor, a condenser, and an energy recovery device. The condenser receives a compressed refrigerant from the compressor and condenses the refrigerant to either a liquid phase or a saturated liquid-vapor phase (reduced refrigerant charge content). The condensed refrigerant is passed through the energy recovery device to expand the refrigerant. The refrigerant passing through the energy recovery device is regulated to maintain the refrigerant in a high cavitation region within the motor, while maintaining within a predetermined refrigerant pressure range in the motor. The condensed and compressed refrigerant is expanded, in the motor, to a saturated liquid-vapor phase having a higher vapor content before the refrigerant exits the motor to optimize energy recovery.

Abstract: An environmental control system and method are provided for conditioning water-vapor compressed air for supply as conditioned air. The environmental control system (8) includes two air cycle machines (9, 10) that rotate independent of each other. The air cycle machine (9) includes a turbine (11) that drives a fan (12), and the air cycle machine (10) includes a turbine (15) that drives a compressor (16). The environmental control system (8) further includes a primary heat exchanger (19) upstream of the compressor (16), a secondary heat exchanger (20) downstream of the compressor (16), are heater (21) downstream of the secondary heat exchanger (20), a condenser (22) downstream of the reheater (21), a water collector (24) downstream of the condenser (22), and three bypass control valves (28, 30, 32). In combination, the turbine (11), reheater (21), condenser (22), and water collector (24) form a dehumidification loop (34) for the environmental control system (8).

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for airplanes is proposed in which a portion of the fresh airflow to be prepared is tapped at high pressure from a power unit and another portion is sucked in from the surroundings. The energy potential of the tapped airflow is utilized to compress the ambient air. The compressed ambient air and the tapped air are mixed into a mixed airflow before the mixed airflow's pressure is dropped in one or more turbine stages (T1, T2). Water is separated from the mixed airflow between the mixing point (X) and the first turbine stage 1 (T1). In order to cool down the tapped airflow to a temperature at which water can be separated at all, the tapped airflow is guided past the entire cooler mixed airflow, preferably in two steps (REH, CON), namely once before the pressure drop and another time after the pressure drop of the mixed airflow in the first turbine stage (T1).

Abstract: A method for generating refrigeration for application to a heat load, especially at very cold temperatures, using an environmentally benign working gas such as air and using an upstream precooling circuit to reduce or eliminate inefficiencies stemming from warm end pinch.

Abstract: A liquid-to-air cycle system for conditioning water vapor bearing air and cooling a liquid load comprises an air cycle subsystem and a liquid cycle subsystem. The air cycle subsystem includes a first air-to-air heat exchanger, a reheater downstream of the first air-to-air heat exchanger, a first turbine downstream of the reheater, a first water extractor downstream of the first turbine, a first liquid-to-air heat exchanger downstream of the water extractor, and a second turbine downstream of the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger. Thereby, the second turbine can recover rejected heat from the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The liquid cycle subsystem is in heat exchange relationship the air cycle subsystem at the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger such that the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger absorbs the rejected heat from the liquid cycle subsystem.

Abstract: A detachable work extraction system includes an expansion engine including a self-sealing coupling adapted to detachably connect the expansion engine to a cold box, and a hydraulic work extractor operatively connected to the expansion engine. A gas can travel from the cold box to the expansion engine through the self-sealing coupling. The gas is cooled by expansion of the gas in the expansion engine and work produced by the expansion of the gas is dissipated by the hydraulic work extractor. The expansion engine includes a cylinder housing a piston. The cylinder has a first self-sealing coupling defining an inlet and a second self-sealing coupling defining an outlet. The first and second self-sealing couplings each have a spring loaded seal. In the absence of an external force applied to the seal, the seal prevents flow of gas through the couplings.

Abstract: When not only integrating the compressor and expander, but also the heat exchanger in one single rotor, a machine working according to the gas turbine process can be simplified. The gas turbine process in such a machine can also be run in reversed mode as a refrigeration machine or heat pump. Lower relative velocities between the working fluid and the components of the machine can be used which should lead to lower frictional losses and a higher efficiency. In order to further reduce the friction the rotor should rotate in a chamber with low pressure or in a medium with lower friction than air. The medium that exchanges heat with the working medium here called the heat carrying fluid is also taken into the rotor.