Bombardier Inc.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AIR TO PNEUMATIC LOADS ONBOARD AIRCRAFT

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for providing air to pneumatic loads such as an environmental control system for a passenger cabin of an aircraft or an ice protection device of the aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a compressor configured to produce a first quantity of compressed air onboard the aircraft; and a heat exchanger configured to facilitate heat transfer from the first quantity of compressed air to a quantity of cooling air. The heat exchanger can be operatively connected to supply the cooled first quantity of compressed air to a cabin of the aircraft and supply the heated quantity of cooling air to an ice protection device of the aircraft. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein can reduce or eliminate the need for the extraction of compressed bleed air from an engine of the aircraft.