Exploitation Strategies of Cabin and Galley Thermal Dynamics 2017-01-2037

The thermal inertia of aircraft cabins and galleys is significant for commercial aircraft. The aircraft cabin is controlled by the Environment Control System (ECS) to reach, among other targets, a prescribed temperature. By allowing a temperature band of ± 2 K instead of a fixed temperature, it is possible to use this thermal dynamic of the cabin as energy storage. This storage can then be used to reduce electrical peak power, increase efficiency of the ECS, reduce thermal cooling peak power, or reduce engine offtake if it is costly or not sufficiently available. In the same way, also the aircraft galleys can be exploited. Since ECS and galleys are among the largest consumers of electrical power or bleed air, there is a large potential on improving energy efficiency or reducing system mass to reduce fuel consumption of aircraft. This paper investigates different exploitation strategies of cabin and galley dynamics using modelling and simulation. Modelica models of the thermal and the electrical system are used to assess and compare these different strategies. Potential impacts on passenger comfort are discussed. Additionally, the gained performance is compared to more conventional storage elements like electrical batteries. Finally, the potential of fuel reduction will be quantified using a reference aircraft model and the optimal strategy is selected.