Optimization of an Unconventional Environmental Control System Architecture

Abstract

The Environmental Control System is a relevant element of any conventional or More Electric Aircraft (MEA). It is either the key consumer of pneumatic power or draws a substantial load from the electric power system. The objective of this paper is to present a tool for the design of Environmental Control Systems and to apply it to an unconventional system. The approach is based on a recently proposed methodology, which is improved with respect to flexibility and ease-of-use. Furthermore, modeling and simulation of vapor compression cycles is discussed, which are candidate technological solutions for More Electric Aircraft cncepts. A steady-state moving boundary method is presented to model heat exchangers for such applications. Finally, the resulting design environment is applied to optimization of an unconventional ECS architecture and exemplary results are presented.