sign in sign up
<<
Home , Airliner, Airstair, Galley (kitchen)

US 20140048649A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0048649 A1 Brunaux et al. (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 20, 2014

(54) UTILIZATION FOR Publication Classi?cation SPACE AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM INTEGRATION (51) Int- Cl B64D 37/30 (2006.01) (71) Applicant: INTERTECHNIQUE, Plaisir Cedex B64D 11/00 (2006.01) (FR) (52) US. Cl. CPC ...... B64D 37/30 (2013.01); B64D 11/00 (72) Inventors: Yannick BrunauX, Saint Cyr L’Ecole (201301) (PR); Jean-Marie Daout, Mukilteo, WA USPC ...... 244/1185; 244/1291 (US); Thomas Lee Marks, Coto De CaZa, CA (US); Peter Fiala, Bellevue, WA (US) (57) ABSTRACT

(73) Assignee: INTERTECHNIQUE, Plaisir Cedex _ _ _ _ _ (FR) Embodlments of the present 1nvent1on provide improved space utilization concepts for aircraft, and particularly to (21) Appl. No.: 13/966,347 using under ?oor space created by the envelope designed to _ house an airstair system. For example, this space may be used (22) Flled: Aug‘ 14’ 2013 to house and integrate one or more fuel cell system(s) and/or . . components, such as hydrogen tanks and/ or the fuel cell body, Related U's' Apphcatlon Data such that the fuel cell system can deliver useful byproducts to (60) Provisional application No. 61/682,936, ?led on Aug. support various aircraft functions. Additionally or alterna 14,2012. tively, the space may be used to store other components.

16

~5 ~ ~ ~ ~g Patent Application Publication Feb. 20, 2014 Sheet 1 0f 3 US 2014/0048649 A1

10

18

FIG. 1

FIG. 2 Patent Application Publication Feb. 20, 2014 Sheet 2 0f 3 US 2014/0048649 A1

FIG. 4 Patent Application Publication Feb. 20, 2014 Sheet 3 0f 3 US 2014/0048649 A1

FIG. 5 US 2014/0048649 A1 Feb. 20, 2014

UTILIZATION FOR AIRCRAFT AIRSTAIR may decide to remove the airstair from the aircraft. SPACE AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM Thus, an aircraft may still have the airstair envelope/ space, INTEGRATION but the added Weight of the airstair is removed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED BRIEF SUMMARY APPLICATIONS [0005] The present inventors have sought Ways to make the [0001] This application claims the bene?t of US. Provi airstair envelope space more valuable and useful, if an airstair sional Application Ser. No. 61/682,936, ?led Aug. 14, 2012, is not installed in that space or has been removed. In one titled “Aircraft Equipment Concepts,” the entire contents of speci?c embodiment, the inventors have sought to use the Which are hereby incorporated by reference. airstair envelope to house various fuel cell system compo nents and/or electronic items that use the fuel cell system FIELD OF THE INVENTION poWer and other byproducts. Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide unique Ways to incorporate and [0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate gener integrate a fuel cell system into an airstair envelope. For ally to improved space utilization concepts for aircraft, and example, embodiments include a fuel cell system (Which can particularly to using under ?oor space created by the envelope be divided in sub-system) integrated in the airstair space and designed to house an airstair system. For example, this space that can deliver the generated electricity and other by-prod may be used to house and integrate one or more fuel cell ucts (Water, electricity, oxygen depleted air, and/or heat) for system(s) and/ or components, such as hydrogen tanks and/or use by other aircraft applications and systems. Embodiments the fuel cell body, such that the fuel cell system can deliver also relate to other uses for the airstair space, such as housing useful byproducts to support various aircraft functions. Addi trash-related items, a trash compactor, a chiller, and/or an tionally or alternatively, the space may be used to store other inverter for the fuel cell, all Which may be poWered via aircraft -related items, such as extra trash storage, trash com poWer, generator poWer (When on ground), or via a fuel cell pactor components, and/or chiller components, as Well as system. heat management systems, ?uid components (gas or liquid), or other poWer components, such as an inverter. It is also BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS envisioned that this space may be used to integrate other components that Would otherWise consume valuable space [0006] FIG. 1 shoWs a top plan vieW of an airstair envelope elseWhere in the aircraft. This space can also include compo on an aircraft. nents that assist With heat management. [0007] FIG. 2 shoWs a side perspective vieW of one poten tial con?guration for aircraft components to be positioned in BACKGROUND an airstair envelope. [0008] FIG. 3 shoWs a side perspective vieW of an aircraft [0003] An airstair is a set of steps built into an so through the door, illustrating the airstair space that (as Well as aircraft creW and the maintenance beloW the deck. team) may board the aircraft. can be used on com [0009] FIG. 4 shoWs one embodiment of a location for an mercial, business, and freight aircraft. The airstairs are often access panel to aces the airstair envelope. built into a clamshell-style type door on the aircraft. They are [0010] FIG. 5 shoWs an alternate embodiment for storage of commonly installed When an aircraft is intended to land on an tarmac, Where there is limited ground infrastructure or aircraft components, such as fuel cell ancillaries or fuel cell service. The airstairs can be deployed in order to alloW air system components. craft access Without any external structures, thus eliminating DETAILED DESCRIPTION the need for passengers to use a mobile stairWay or jetWay to board and exit the aircraft and providing the aircraft (and [0011] A number of components on-board an aircraft airline company) With more independence from ground ser require electrical poWer for their activation. Many of these vices, even When they are available. As ground service costs components are separate from the electrical components that increase, some are choosing to integrate an airstair are actually required to run the aircraft (i.e., the navigation envelope into the aircraft in order to provide the option of system, fuel gauges, ?ight controls, and hydraulic systems). limiting ground service cost. For example, in large , For example, aircraft also have catering equipment, heating/ the cost of passenger ground service, parking, and time of cooling systems, lavatories, poWer seats, Water heaters, heater ground handling can be important compared to the added ?oor panels, and other components that require poWer as Well. Weight and space of the air stair. More and more aircraft [0012] HoWever, one concern With these components is manufacturers are thus proposing to include an airstair enve their energy consumption. It may be desirable to poWer these lope in aircraft, Which can be optionally ?tted With an airstair, systems separately, rather than relying on the aircraft engines ’ in order to reduce time and the cost of ground operation. drive generators or additional poWer sources, such as a kero [0004] HoWever, the Weight of an airstair has an impact on sene-buming auxiliary poWer unit (APU) (or by a ground fuel consumption during the aircraft operation. Each kilo poWer unit if the aircraft is not yet in ?ight). Additionally, use gram in an aircraft is taken into account, Which is Why some of aircraft poWer produces noise and CO2 emissions, both of aircraft manufacturers decide to remove or to not install the Which are desirably reduced. Accordingly, it is desirable to airstair into the airstair envelope/ space at all. In other Words, identify Ways to improve fuel e?iciency and poWer manage because an aircraft is only cost competitive When it can ?y ment by providing innovative Ways to poWer these compo With payload (i.e., passengers and/or freight) While reducing nents. There are neW Ways being developed to generate poWer its other costs (i.e., fuel costs, etc.), if an aircraft has installed to run on-board components, as Well as to harness bene?cial airstairs but is not currently using them because the aircraft by-products of that poWer generation for other uses on-board boards and deplanes through a traditional jetWay, then the aircraft. US 2014/0048649 A1 Feb. 20, 2014

[0013] The relatively neW technology of fuel cells provides tanks may deliver hydrogen to fuel cells positioned on indi a promising cleaner and quieter Way to supplement energy vidual seats, as described in co-pending Application No. sources already aboard aircrafts. A fuel cell has several out PCT/IB2013/051979, titled “Vehicle Seat PoWered by Fuel puts in addition to electrical poWer, and these other outputs Cell,” ?led Mar. 13, 2013, the entire contents of Which are often are not utiliZed, but can be used to avoid loss of other incorporated herein.) usable energy sources (such as thermal, electric and/or pneu [0018] The use of an inverter 28 to convert fuel cell poWer matic poWer) generated by the fuel cell system. Fuel cell is also an option, depending on VDC or VAC consumers. The systems combine a fuel source of compressed hydrogen With fuel cell system 12 produces Direct Current. If Alternating oxygen in the air to produce electrical and thermal poWer as a Current consumers are installed on the aircraft, then an main product. Water, heat, and Oxygen Depleted Air (ODA) inverter 28 may be installed in the fuel cell system 12. The are produced as by-products, Which are far less harmful than fuel cell system 12 may be interconnected to the onboard CO2 emissions from current aircraft poWer generation pro electrical grid of the aircraft, such that it can deliver general cesses. Because the proposed use of fuel cell systems on poWer that can be distributed as needed. Alternatively, it may board aircraft and other vehicles is relatively neW, there are be autonomous and supply poWer directly to the electrical not alWays appropriate storage systems in place for the fuel consumers plugged into the fuel cell system 12. The concept cell systems. is not restricted to an existing fuel cell technology and can be [0014] Embodiments of the present invention thus provide used by any future technology. unique storage locations for fuel cell components and identify [0019] FIG. 2 also shoWs a trash compactor 24 positioned Ways to use previously unused space on-board an aircraft. In in the airstair space 10. This may be an actual trash compactor one speci?c embodiment, the airstair space 10 is used to or one or more electrical or mechanical components of the house a fuel cell system 12. FIG. 1 shoWs a top plan vieW of compactor. FIG. 2 further shoWs a chiller 26 positioned in the an airstair envelope 10, positioned in the loWer of an airstair space 10. The chiller 26 can supply cold air to one or aircraft 14, Which is also shoWn in FIG. 3. This location may more galleys 16 or any other product Which requires cold air. be in the front, aft, or any other alloWed location in the Other galley components may have one or more components aircraft. FIG. 1 also shoWs the location of galleys 16 and a positioned in this space 10 as Well. By integrating one or more lavatory 18 on the main level of the aircraft. The airstair space of these galley components in the space 10, additional ?oor 10 is a free envelope of space beloW the main level, in the space in the galley or for adding more passenger seats can be belly of the aircraft, and is present if the airstairs are not created and/or more food and drink products can be stored in installed or if they have been removed. the saved space. [0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective vieW of the airstair envelope 10 that has additional components posi [0020] As discussed, by-products generated by the fuel cell tioned therein. Fuel cell system 12 components are provided, system 12 are electricity, heat, Water (H20) and Oxygen such as compressed hydrogen tanks 20 and a fuel cell body Depleted Air. At least one (and preferably more than one) of 22, Which form a fuel cell system 12. FIG. 2 also shoWs an the fuel cell by-products can be used by aircraft components. alternate embodiment, Which uses the airstair space 10 to For example, the by-products may be used in the galley (e. g., contain a trash compactor 24 or trash compactor components, by ovens, chillers, trash compactors, beverage makers, etc.), a chiller 26 or chiller components, and/or an inverter 28 or in the lavatory (e.g., to poWer the ?ush, heat Water, provide inverter components, and/ or any other common components electricity for lights, etc.), and the seat level (e. g., for seat used inside a private or commercial . For example, controls, charger systems, heated seats, etc.) and/or any other this space may also be used to store extra pilloWs and blan products Which can used at least one of the product generated kets, extra Water or soda bottles, extra cups or other service by the fuel cell. The con?guration may be optimiZed as shoWn items, compacted trash, or any other items that can be stored in FIG. 2. and do not need to accessed immediately. [0021] One speci?c use of a by-product at the ?oor level is [0016] Referring noW to the fuel cell system 12 storage to deliver the heat from the fuel cell activity to alleviate the embodiment, the fuel cell system 12 can have an integrated need for a ?oor Warmer. Currently, heated ?oor panels are hydrogen storage or it may have a decentralized hydrogen used to avoid a cold feeling near the aircraft door. In the storage, as described in co-pending Application No. PCT/ embodiment shoWn in FIG. 2, both the chiller 26 and the fuel IB2013/051984, titled “Removable Storage for Hydrogen cell system 12 produce heat. Accordingly, heat generated by On-board Passenger Vehicles Such as Aircraft,” one or more of these system can be used to heat the ?oor. FIG. ?led Mar. 13, 2013, the entire contents of Which are incorpo 3 shoWs a perspective vieW through a boarding door of an rated herein. The hydrogen storage could be located in aircraft, With the boarding door removed. This ?gure illus unpressuriZed area as Well as the pressurized area of the trates hoW the ?oor-based components may be positioned to airstairs. Because this is free space, it provides a good loca take advantage of heat generated. tion for hydrogen tank storage. [0022] In a speci?c embodiment, the ?oor heating can be [0017] The hydrogen storage can be liquid, gaseous or achieved With heat generated by the fuel cell systems, such as solid. As shoWn, the hydrogen tanks 20 may be directly con hot air (gas) and/ or liquid. The heat may be delivered nected to a fuel cell 22. Alternatively, the fuel cell body 22 upWards, in order to heat the ?oor and general doorWay area, may be located in the airstair space 10 and connected to the in lieu of using heated ?oor panels. This heat rise is illustrated hydrogen tanks (stored elseWhere located in an area remote by the arroWs marked “H.” In addition or alternatively, the from the airstair space 10, perhaps in an unpressuriZed area if heat (via air or liquid) may be routed to the galley or lavatory desired or required) via tubing or other conduit. This alloWs sections of the aircraft, or optionally to other areas of the the hydrogen tanks to deliver hydrogen to fuel cell (as Well as cabin for use. In addition or alternatively, the heat (via air or to any other fuel cell bodies that may be located elseWhere on liquid) may be routed to the bay or other areas Where the the aircraft). (For example, in one embodiment, the hydrogen gathered heat may be useful. US 2014/0048649 A1 Feb. 20, 2014

[0023] FIG. 3 also shows a service panel 30 that may be What is claimed is: integrated into the passenger deck ?oor 36 in order to re?ll the 1. An aircraft having an airstair envelope With the airstairs hydrogen tank(s) 20 or other items in airstair space 10. An uninstalled or removed, comprising: overboard discharge indicator can also be located in the ser a. one or more components of a fuel cell system installed in vice panel 30. (It is also possible for the burst disc or over the airstair envelope; and board discharge to be located in another location in accor b. a service panel in the aircraft passenger deck ?oor to dance With various safety rules, regulations, guidelines and/ or provide access to the airstair space from Within the air airframer requirements.) Another use for the service panel 3 0 craft. is that is the airstair space 10 is used as a trash compartment 2. The aircraft of claim 1, further comprising one or more and/ or for trash compaction, then the trash areas can be easily of a trash compactor, a trash storage, a chiller, or an inverter accessed for insertion and removal of trash. Additionally, the positioned in the airstair envelope. space 10 may be used to store other items that are useful 3. The aircraft of claim 1, further comprising one or more in-?ight, but that may not need to be accessed immediately. of extra pilloWs, blankets, beverage items, or food storage For example, pilloWs and blankets, extra cups or plates, extra items positioned in the airstair envelope. drinks (Water bottles, sodas, coffee grounds, and other bev erages), may be stored in this otherWise unused space as Well. 4. The aircraft of claim 1, Wherein one or more hydrogen [0024] Additionally, the service panel facilitates fuel cell tanks are stored in the airstair envelope. system maintenance or maintenance of the trash compactor, 5. The aircraft of claim 1, Wherein a fuel cell body is stored chiller, inverter, or any other components located in space 10. in the airstair envelope and Wherein hydrogen tanks are stored FIG. 4 shoWs an example of Where the access panel 30 may be remotely, With the fuel cell body and at least one hydrogen located on/under the passenger deck. The access panel 30 tank being ?uidly connected. may have an open and closure mechanism that is similar to a 6. The aircraft of claim 1, Wherein hydrogen tanks are upper head cabin luggage storage compartment. Alterna stored in an overhead space above an aircraft galley. tively, any other securing system for panel 30 may be used. 7. The aircraft of claim 1, Wherein the aircraft has a pas [0025] An alternate embodiment provides a fuel cell sys senger deck ?oor, Wherein one or more components of the tem positioned above the galley 16, as shoWn in FIG. 5. fuel cell system generate heat, and Wherein the heat generated (Although FIG. 5 shoWs a galley, it should be understood that is used to heat portions of the passenger deck ?oor, Without space in the lavatory ceiling may also be used.) Hydrogen is the need for a separate heated ?oor panel. lighter than air, and it is preferable to avoid hydrogen accu 8. The aircraft of claim 1, Wherein the aircraft has a cargo mulation and create an explosive atmosphere. Accordingly, bay, Wherein one or more components of the fuel cell system there may also be provided a hydrogen sensor for safety generate heat, and Wherein the heat generated is routed to the purposes and regulations. By locating one or more compo cargo bay. nents of a fuel cell system 12 betWeen the cabin roof 32 and 9. The aircraft of claim 1, Wherein the aircraft has a galley aircraft skin 34, space can also be saved. In one embodiment, or a lavatory, Wherein one or more components of the fuel cell all of the hydrogen tank components 20 can be installed in the system generate heat, and Wherein the heat generated is location of FIG. 5, and the electrical or other sub-systems of routed to the galley or the lavatory or both. the fuel cell can be installed under the ?oor. In another 10. An aircraft having a cabin roof and an aircraft external embodiment, all components are located above the galley (or skin, the aircraft comprising: the lavatory). In a further embodiment, all components are a. one or more components of a fuel cell system installed a located in the airstair space 10, or a combination of these space betWeen the cabin roof and the aircraft external options may be used. skin. [0026] Changes and modi?cations, additions and deletions may be made to the structures and methods recited above and 11. The aircraft of claim 10, Wherein one or more hydrogen shoWn in the draWings Without departing from the scope or tanks are stored in the space. spirit of the invention and the folloWing claims. * * * * *