System for delivering pre-conditioned air to an aircraft on the ground
A system for providing pre-conditioned air to an aircraft on the ground includes a ground air conditioning unit configured to produce air-conditioned air, a control module for controlling operation of the air conditioning unit, and an air hose having a first end in communication with a pre-conditioned air outlet of the air conditioning unit and a second end having a connector for connection to an aircraft on the ground. A pressure sensing device provides pressure information to the control module and is arranged so as to allow pressure monitoring of the flow of pre-conditioned air in the vicinity of the second end of the air hose.
1. A system for providing pre-conditioned air to an aircraft on the ground, said system comprising:
a ground air conditioner separate and apart from said aircraft for selectively producing pre-conditioned air;
a controller in communication with said ground air conditioner, said controller selectively controlling an operation of said ground air conditioner;
an air hose having a first end in communication with a pre-conditioned air outlet of said ground air conditioner, and a second end with a connector for connection to said aircraft on the ground;
a pressure sensing means including at least one pressure sensor arranged in said connector, said pressure sensing means detecting operating conditions in a ventilation system of said aircraft when said connector is connected to said aircraft, including monitoring pressure at an inlet of the aircraft; and
wherein a pressure sensing means provides pressure information from said pressure sensor to said controller so as to enable pressure monitoring of said pre-conditioned air in the vicinity of the second end of said air hose, said controller selectively controlling said ground air conditioning in dependence upon said pressure information to avoid over-pressurization in said ventilation system of said aircraft.
2. System according to claim 1 , wherein said air conditioner operates on an air-cycle principle.
3. System according to claim 2 , wherein said air conditioner is fed with remotely produced compressed air.
4. System according to claim 1 , wherein said air conditioner is adapted to deliver sub-freezing pre-conditioned air into the aircraft, down to about −25° C.
5. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to stop the production or to reduce the mass flow of pre-conditioned air when said pressure information indicates that the measured pressure has reached or exceeds a maximum allowable pressure threshold.
6. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to unable the production or reduce the mass flow of pre-conditioned air when said pressure information indicates that the measured pressure has reached or dropped below a minimum pressure threshold.
7. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured in order to output pre-conditioned air at a temperature above 0° C. when said pressure information indicates that the measured pressure has reached or dropped below a minimum pressure threshold.
8. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller regulates the output flow of pre-conditioned air on the basis of said pressure information and of a target pressure.
9. System according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one pressure sensor is arranged no further than 0.5 m from said second end.
10. System according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one pressure sensor is arranged no more than 0.3 m from said second end.
11. System according to claim 1 , wherein said pressure sensing means comprises at least two pressure sensors, each pressure sensor being connected to a common ring pipe and at least two pipes extend from the ring pipe to an open port inside the connector wall, at the periphery of the flow of preconditioned air flow.
12. System according to claim 1 , wherein said pressure information comprises static pressure information.
13. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller further takes into account information on the temperature inside an aircraft mixing chamber.
14. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller stores a map of operating modes, including maximum allowable pressure and minimum pressure, that correspond to respective aircraft types and model year, these parameters being taken into account for controlling operation of said ground air conditioner.
15. System according to claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to received from said aircraft, through wired or wireless connection, information regarding one or more of: aircraft mixing chamber temperature, aircraft mixing chamber pressure, aircraft type, aircraft model year and aircraft cabin temperature.
16. System according to claim 13 , wherein said controller further takes into account information on the temperature inside the cabin of the aircraft.
17. System for providing pre-conditioned air to an aircraft on the ground comprising:
a ground air conditioner configured to produce pre-conditioned air;
a controller controlling operation of said ground air conditioner;
an air hose having a first end in communication with a pre-conditioned air outlet of said ground air conditioner and a second end with a connector for connection to an aircraft on the ground;
wherein a pressure sensing means provides pressure information to said controller and is arranged so as to allow pressure monitoring of the flow of pre-conditioned air in the vicinity of the second end of said air hose, said pressure sensing means including at least one pressure sensor arranged in said connector and being configured to detect predetermined events in a ventilation system on-board said aircraft, including at least one of clogs, restrictions and fan operation in said ventilation system.