This requires elaborate procedures that increase pilot workload. Other known crossfeed configurations on aircraft incorporate a single crossfeed system and a separate gravity-flow redundant, i.e., backup, transfer system that requires the flight crew to activate the system and sideslip the aircraft to induce flow in the correct direction. Having such additional redundant equipment is an inefficient use of resources on the mobile platform. Known crossfeed configurations often employ redundant fuel piping and valve equipment that performs no other purpose than redundancy. More particularly, the dual crossfeed configuration includes two different fuel crossfeed paths such that the failure of either crossfeed path in conjunction with an IFSD event does not jeopardize the safe operation of the aircraft. Therefore, fuel can be consumed from any fuel tank through a crossfeeding fuel transmission structure, e.g., a crossfeeding piping system. Therefore, such mobile platforms typically implement fuel systems that have a dual crossfeed configuration that fluidly connects the two or more fuel tanks. For example, with reference to aircraft, in order to show compliance with regulations, it must be shown that if one engine needs to be shut down during flight, referred to as an in-flight shutdown (IFSD) event, enough fuel is available to the remaining engine to reach a diversion airport. Rather, the invention relates to any and all mobile platforms having a plurality of fuel tanks where balancing the fuel levels in the fuel tanks is desirable.Īdditionally, the operation of many mobile platforms is governed by various state and federal regulations. However, it will further be understood that the reference to aircraft is merely exemplary and not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to aircraft only. Although it will be understood that the term “mobile platform” as used herein refers to various applicable mobile platforms such as buses, trains, ships and aircraft, the exemplary references made throughout the present application will be made with reference to aircraft. For example, an aircraft with a fuel tank in each of the main wings will endeavor to maintain approximately equal fuel levels in each tank to improve ease of control, safety and fuel efficiency of the aircraft during flight. Mobile platforms having a plurality of fuel tanks often need to balance the fuel levels between the various fuel tanks to evenly distribute, or balance, the weight of the fuel in each fuel tank. More particularly, the invention relates to a fuel balancing system for mobile platforms having a plurality of fuel tanks. The invention relates generally to mobile platform fuel systems. 7,337,795, which is incorporated herein as if set forth in full. 11/251,659, entitled Fuel Balancing System, filed on Oct. With the crossfeed valve open, turning off the fuel pumps on one tank will cause more fuel to be drawn from the tanks on the other side.This application is a continuation of U.S. Using the 737 as an example, this is the fuel system control panel with the crossfeed switch in the center. Fuel transfer also becomes more complicated. Note: especially in larger aircraft, fuel systems can be much more complicated, with multiple tanks in each wing and also in the fuselage.
In a twin-engine airplane, the remaining engine would need to be able to draw fuel from both wing tanks. The crossfeed valve allows fuel to flow from the tank with too much fuel to the tank with less fuel.Īnother scenario would be the loss of an engine. However, for various reasons, they could become unbalanced. To keep the plane balanced, both wing tanks should have about the same amount of fuel. A couple scenarios illustrate when opening the valve might be necessary. The crossfeed valve is generally kept shut for this reason. This system allows the shortest route for the fuel and keeps the systems separate, so a leak on one side cannot drain the entire system.
The crossfeed valve is used to temporarily connect the two sides of the system.
Each tank generally provides fuel to the engines on that wing. The fuel system in aircraft generally includes a left and right tank within the corresponding wings.
0 kommentar(er)
