UTILIZATION FOR AIRCRAFT AIRSTAIR SPACE AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved space utilization concepts for aircraft, and particularly to using under floor space created by the envelope designed to house an airstair system. For example, this space may be used to house and integrate one or more fuel cell system(s) and/or components, such as hydrogen tanks and/or the fuel cell body, such that the fuel cell system can deliver useful byproducts to support various aircraft functions. Additionally or alternatively, the space may be used to store other components.
1 . An aircraft having an airstair envelope with the airstairs uninstalled or removed, comprising:
a. one or more components of a fuel cell system installed in the airstair envelope; and
b. a service panel in the aircraft passenger deck floor to provide access to the airstair space from within the aircraft.
2 . The aircraft of claim 1 , further comprising one or more of a trash compactor, a trash storage, a chiller, or an inverter positioned in the airstair envelope.
3 . The aircraft of claim 1 , further comprising one or more of extra pillows, blankets, beverage items, or food storage items positioned in the airstair envelope.
4 . The aircraft of claim 1 , wherein one or more hydrogen tanks are stored in the airstair envelope.
5 . The aircraft of claim 1 , wherein a fuel cell body is stored in the airstair envelope and wherein hydrogen tanks are stored remotely, with the fuel cell body and at least one hydrogen tank being fluidly connected.
6 . The aircraft of claim 1 , wherein hydrogen tanks are stored in an overhead space above an aircraft galley.
7 . The aircraft of claim 1 , wherein the aircraft has a passenger deck floor, wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system generate heat, and wherein the heat generated is used to heat portions of the passenger deck floor, without the need for a separate heated floor panel.
8 . The aircraft of claim 1 , wherein the aircraft has a cargo bay, wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system generate heat, and wherein the heat generated is routed to the cargo bay.
9 . The aircraft of claim 1 , wherein the aircraft has a galley or a lavatory, wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system generate heat, and wherein the heat generated is routed to the galley or the lavatory or both.
10 . An aircraft having a cabin roof and an aircraft external skin, the aircraft comprising:
a. one or more components of a fuel cell system installed a space between the cabin roof and the aircraft external skin.
11 . The aircraft of claim 10 , wherein one or more hydrogen tanks are stored in the space.