The Benefits of Simulating Multiple Environmental Control Sub-Systems in a Single 1D System Model

Computer simulation of an aircraft's environmental control system enable proper understanding and characterization of the system, help lower design time and cut down on costly iron bird and in-flight testing. Components such as the control valves, ram air heat exchangers, recirculation fans, and boot strap compressors can be sized and optimized by the design engineers through simulation. System analysis is not possible with 3d CFD, but can be done with 1d tools that allows engineers to model a variety of test cases very early in the design process - at the concept stage and can be continued to be utilized all the way to the released stage to identify potential issues and investigate solutions before the aircraft is sent into service.