Modelling and Control of Novel Environmental Control Systems
Centrifugal Compressor Testing in the Inverse Organic Rankine Cycle Integrated System
C.J. Luiten (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
C. Servi – Mentor (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
Dimitris Boskos – Mentor (TU Delft - Team Dimitris Boskos)
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Abstract
The adoption of Vapour Compression Cycle (VCC) refrigeration technology in aircraft Environmental Control Systems (ECS) presents efficiency advantages over conventional Air Cycle Machine (ACM) architectures. However, the implementation of VCCs in aviation remains a challenge due to excessive system weight, negative environmental impact of refrigerants, and high control complexity. This study focuses on the Inverse organic Rankine cycle Integrated System (IRIS) at TU Delft, which investigates electrically driven VCC systems with novel refrigerant types for aircraft applications. A dynamic model of the IRIS refrigeration loop is developed to assess transient behaviour and evaluate the performance of a high-speed centrifugal compressor to be integrated into the system. The model employs a modular, physics-based approach using the Modelica/Dymola environment, incorporating the Moving Boundary method for heat exchangers and steady-state performance maps for the compressor. Model verification is performed through steady-state and transient analyses. Subsequently, a linear decentralized control strategy is designed to regulate the compressor inlet and outlet conditions, ensuring stable operation across varying test conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the controller successfully regulates the refrigeration loop of the IRIS to reach the desired setpoints for full compressor testing, while keeping inputs within operational limits. Additionally, it is shown that key system dynamics are correctly captured by the model, providing valuable insights into the operational feasibility of centrifugal VCCs in aerospace ECS applications.