Journal Article
Controlling Cabin and Envelope Air Flows and Pressure Differentials to Prevent Envelope Condensation, Enable Cabin Humidification, Improve Fire Safety, and Decrease Fuel Use
2011-10-18
2011-01-2689
The uncontrolled flow of cabin air into the aircraft envelope caused by indoor-outdoor temperature gradients and associated stack pressure differentials causes cabin air to circulate between the cabin and the envelope, producing condensation on the cold fuselage behind the insulation with a number of adverse consequences. These include an inability to practically maintain cabin humidity at normal levels, a reduction in ventilation effectiveness, microbial growth, metal corrosion and structural failures, insulation performance degradation, thermal discomfort, increased engine noise transmission, additional fuel consumption and electrical failures and fires.
