Aircraft fueling apparatus and a method for its use
In an aspect, an aircraft fueling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a container comprising a fuel tank configured to store liquified gas fuel. The apparatus may also include a translocation device configured to carry the at least a container. An orientation guidance track may also be included in the apparatus. The orientation guidance track may be configured to direct a movement of the translocation device to a first position.
1 . An aircraft fueling apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises:
a blended wing body (BWB) having a main body and wings with no clear demarcation between the wings and the main body along a trailing edge of the aircraft;
at least a container, wherein the at least a container comprises:
a fuel tank configured to store hydrogen fuel, wherein the container is configured to be located in a first position that is at least partially aft a cabin of the aircraft and near propulsors positioned on a top surface toward a rear of the aircraft, and is configured to be located in a second position exterior to the body of the aircraft, the second position comprising an aircraft fueling station;
a platform configured to transport the at least a container using a translocation device, wherein the platform is removably attached to the translocation device; and
an orientation guidance track located at least partially within the BWB and configured to direct a movement of the translocation device inside the aircraft.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least a container further comprises an insulation layer.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the orientation guidance track is configured to be selectively stowed during flight of the aircraft.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the orientation guidance track is oriented longitudinally within the aircraft.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the orientation guidance track comprises a system of tracks guided by rollers.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least a container is configured to have a multi-lobe geometry.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least a container is removably attached to the platform.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein removably attaching the at least a container to the platform further comprises attaching the at least a container to the to the platform using a mating connection.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein removably attaching the at least a container to the platform further comprises attaching the at least a container to the to the platform using a plurality of straps.
10 . A method of use for an aircraft fueling apparatus, wherein the method comprises:
receiving at least a container at a blended wing body (BWB), wherein the BWB comprises a main body and wings with no clear demarcation between the wings and the main body along a trailing edge of the aircraft, wherein the at least a container comprises:
a fuel tank configured to store a hydrogen fuel; and
at least a vent configured to vent gaseous fuel from the at least a container,
wherein the at least a vent comprises a check valve, wherein the container is configured to be located in a first position that is at least partially aft a cabin of the aircraft and near propulsors positioned on a top surface toward a rear of the aircraft, and is configured to be located in a second position exterior to the body of the aircraft, the second position comprising an aircraft fueling station;
transporting a platform the at least a container using a translocation device, wherein the platform is removably attached to the translocation device; and
directing a movement of the translocation device inside of the aircraft using an orientation guidance track located at least partially within the BWB.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least a container further comprises an insulation layer.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the orientation guidance track is configured to be selectively stowed during flight of the BWB.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the orientation guidance track is oriented longitudinally within the BWB.
14 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the orientation guidance track comprises a system of tracks guided by rollers.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least a container is configured to have a multi-lobe geometry.
16 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least a container is removably attached to the platform.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein removably attaching the at least a container to the platform further comprises attaching the at least a container to the to the platform using a mating connection.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein removably attaching the at least a container to the platform further comprises attaching the at least a container to the to the platform using a plurality of straps.