Advanced Aircraft Power Systems Utilizing Coupled APU/ECS

This paper is presented to show that excess power from the environmental control system (ECS) can be used to supplement the power input requirement of the accessory drive gearbox on an advanced strike bomber aircraft. The feasibility of connecting the expansion turbine of the conventional system to the gearbox is discussed. Two methods of attaining a coupled ECS are compared with the conventional system relative to weight, volume, and takeoff gross weight. From evidence presented, the conclusion was that a coupled simple-cycle system would be the most advantageous.