Work

Static and dynamic analysis of bleed and bleed-less membrane-based environment control system for the aircraft

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the MAD ECS (membrane-based dehumidifier environment control system) for aircraft applications, utilizing MATLAB to conduct evaluations in both steady-state and dynamic conditions. The analysis includes both bleed and non-bleed configurations; however, the breadth of this study expands to develop comprehensive models to assess transient behaviour as well as performance indices for both configurations. The architectural design of the MAD ECS includes two heat exchangers, a membrane-based dehumidifier, a compressor, two turbines, a diffuser, and one fan. The purpose of the steady-state analysis is to determine temperature and specific enthalpy at various critical points within the MAD ECS (e.g., outlets from both heat exchangers, outlet from compressor, etc.). The purpose of the dynamic analysis is to quantify response times based on the temperature at the outlet from each of the heat exchangers, compressor, and turbines over a given period. The mass moment of inertia of the shaft has an impact on system response performance, as indicated by the analysis carried out. The analysis included evaluating the temperature distribution on the axis of the main flow from the current simulation vs. the reference study. The simulations were completed with a Mach 0.85 and altitude of 2 km. The results of these simulations show that both of the MAD ECS bleed-less configurations have comparable thermal performance to the reference ECS configuration, and that both exhibit potential to improve system energy efficiency and response characteristics. Therefore, it can be concluded that MAD ECS bleed-less designs should be viewed as a viable alternative to thermal management systems for future aircraft design.

Source: Next Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxener.2026.100827

Authors: Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Chennu Ranganayakulu, Devendra Kumar Vishwakarma

Institutions: Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Manipal University Jaipur

Language: English

Topic: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280

Funders: Manipal University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani