Modeling of the Aircraft Environmental Control System

Abstract

This research introduces a sophisticated model of the Aircraft Environmental Control System (ECS), focusing on regulating cabin pressure, temperature, humidity, and ozone (O₃) to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. The study develops a dynamic ECS simulation, where the Air Cycle Machine (ACM), operating on the inverse Brayton cycle, provides cooling and dehumidification by extracting heat from pressurized engine bleed air. The system controls cabin temperature by mixing hot bleed air with the ACM output. Cabin pressurization is managed through an outflow valve. The model captures the ECS's performance across varying flight conditions, including transitions from hot ground to cold cruise environments. Custom components for the compressor, turbine, and heat exchangers are developed using the Simscape foundation Moist Air library, enabling accurate modeling of the system’s thermodynamic behavior. This research provides a novel approach to simulating the ECS, offering insights into its operation under real-world flight conditions and advancing the understanding of aircraft environmental control technologies.