Drain system for an aircraft

US7546981B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Claus Hoffjann · Hamburg, DE
• Hansgeorg Schuldzig · Jork, DE
• Harald Gruendel · Lüneburg, DE
• Hans-Juergen Heinrich · Ennepetal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 26, 2005
• Grant date: Jun 16, 2009
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D11/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Drain masts of commercial aircraft need to be heated in order to prevent freezing caused by the low outside temperatures when the aircraft travels at a corresponding altitude. An exemplary embodiment described in the application pertains to a drain system for an aircraft that can be used for draining liquids or gases from the aircraft or for drawing air into the aircraft. In this case, the liquids or gases are heated by means of a coolant that receives its thermal energy from a thermal or electrochemical process being carried out on board the aircraft. Consequently, the waste heat produced by the thermal or electrochemical process being carried out on board the aircraft, for example, a fuel cell process, can be carried off outboard via the drain system. In addition, the coolant can be advantageously utilized for cooling the thermal or electrochemical process.