Performance analysis of partial closed-loop air cycle system with a power turbine

Abstract

In this paper, a new architecture of Air Cycle System (ACS) is presented based on advanced F-15 ACS, F-35 ACS and other air cycle systems. The new architecture is a high-pressure water separation (HPWS) system driven by power turbine with a compressor as an independent air-supplying resource. In new ACS, the engine bleed air after driving power turbine is discharged into the atmosphere and the power turbine supplies shaft work to two compressors of the system. One compressor is the component of HPWS, and the other is the resource of pressurized cabin air supply which isolates the engine bleed air from ACS and improve supply air quality. The system performance is analysed which concludes energy consumption, adaptability, adjustability. The research is carried out in many aspects, such as cabin supply air flow, circulating pressure and airflow, flight altitude, flight speed and avionics heat loads. The results show that the new-type architecture reduces the engine leed air and it is adjustable and adaptable which makes it flexible. The work done in the paper provides a new reference for ACS or integrated aircraft thermal management.