Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

AIR CONDITIONING AND

PRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS

Ref: JEPPESEN Airframe Textbook Chapter 14

CAIP Part II AL/3-24 & AL/3-23
EASA 66 Module 11 Book 5
 Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

AIR CONDITIONING & CABIN PRESSURISATION

AIR CONDITIONING

The task of Air Conditioning is to maintain the cabin air in a suitable condition
for human consumption. Air Conditioning includes the separate control of
Ventilation, Temperature, Humidification and Filtration.

Ventilation

Ventilation is achieved by controlling the rate at which the charge air enters the
cabin, and the rate at which it is allowed to leave. The supply system should be
able to supply air at a minimum rate of 0.4 lb. (0.18 kg) per passenger per minute
(JAR 25),This ensures a minimum oxygen content and ventilation.

(LBP)
 Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

AIR CONDITIONING & CABIN PRESSURISATION

AIR CONDITIONING

Temperature Control

Temperature Control is achieved by controlling the temperature of the air

supply, normally by varying the proportions of hot, and cold air available. The
cabin temperature is maintained at a selected figure, between 60°F - 80°F.

Humidity

The amount of water vapour in cabin air should result in a Relative Humidity of
30% - 40%. A lower relative humidity would cause dry throats etc., whereas a
higher relative humidity may cause condensation to occur on cabin windows
and bulkheads.

Filtration

Simple filters in the air supply system ensure that the air is free from debris.
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
 Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
AIRCRAFT AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
- Designed to control and maintain selected temperature conditions (at
correct temperature and humidity) within :-
 Flight deck (control cabin).
 Passenger compartment (passenger cabin).
 Cargo compartment.
 Electrical/Electronics compartment.

- System comprises of FIVE principal sections :-

1. Air Supply
2. Heating
3. Cooling
4. Temperature Control
5. Distribution

In some aircraft, humidity control section is also part of air Cond system. In
pressurised a/c,air conditioning and pressurization systems are intrinsically linked.
It is the controlled discharge of pressurized and conditioned air which maintains the
selected cabin altitude.
 Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

1. AIR SUPPLY
- Depends on types of aircraft and air conditioning system employed.
- Generally, one of the following methods may be used.
a. Ram Air
• Used on small unpressurised a/c utilizing either combustion heating or
engine exhaust heat exchanger (exhaust heater shroud).
• Ram air intake are located at aircraft nose or in a dorsal fairing at the
base of fin (vertical stabilizer)
• After circulating thru’ the cabin, the air is discharged to atmosphere

b. Engine Bleed Air

• Used in turbo-jet aircraft.
• Hot air is tapped from main engine compressor and supplied to the cabin.
• Air is passed thru appropriate control valves and temperature control
system to reduce its pressure and temperature.
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AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

c. Engine driven Compressor or Blower
• Used on turbo-jet, turbo-propeller and piston-engine aircraft – driven
by engine via accessory drives gearbox or bleed air.
• Air is drawn thru’ ram air intake in wing leading edge or engine
nacelle fairing.
• Filter unit fitted to protect blower motor from FOD and ensure clean
air supply.
• Silencer is incorporated in main supply ducting to reduce noise
emanating from the blower.

d. Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

• If fitted, an independent source of pressurized air, subject to certain
limitations.
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TYPICAL RAM AIR SYSTEM

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

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TYPICAL BLEED AIR SYSTEM

Electronic control unit

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SYSTEM EMPLOYING DISPLACEMENT TYPE BLOWER

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AUXILIARY POWER UNIT