Over ten years commercial service the Boeing 787 initially pushed new technology into the wider commercial aircraft market – composite fuselage, lower cabin altitude (hence its name the Dreamliner) and no bleed air from the engines are among some areas that make this aircraft so successful. The low fuel burn, range and take off performance really define the aircraft and make it a market leader for airlines – let review some of the design that made the aircraft different at the time.
Advanced Composite Wing Structure: While many modern aircraft use composite materials, the 787’s wings are made from a single-piece carbon fibre composite structure, which is unique in its construction method. This design reduces the number of parts and joints, which increases durability and reduces maintenance needs. The wings also have a higher aspect ratio and greater flexibility than those of traditional aircraft, which contributes to the 787’s efficiency.
Bleed-less Engines and Electric Architecture: One of the 787’s most significant innovations is its “bleed-less” engine system, which diverges from the conventional pneumatic system of drawing air off the engines for various onboard systems. Instead, the Dreamliner uses electrically powered compressors for cabin air, eliminating the need for engine bleed air. This results in more efficient engine performance and reduces the engine’s overall workload.
Chevron Nozzle Technology: The engines of the 787 feature chevron nozzles, which are serrated edges on the engine nacelles. These chevrons mix the bypass air more thoroughly with the jet exhaust, significantly reducing engine noise both inside and outside the cabin, a feature that remains distinctive in reducing the environmental impact of aircraft noise.
More Electric Systems and Advanced Power Distribution: The 787’s more-electric architecture extends beyond bleed air elimination. This includes a high-voltage DC electrical system, which is a shift from the traditional AC systems used in most aircraft. This change supports more efficient power distribution and allows for fewer and lighter components.
Advanced Flight Systems and Health Monitoring: The 787 incorporates highly advanced flight management systems, including a sophisticated onboard health-monitoring system that can diagnose and sometimes predict maintenance issues. This system collects and analyses data from various parts of the aircraft, allowing for pre-emptive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Humidity Control System: The Dreamliner’s cabin humidity control system is more advanced than those in most other aircraft. The use of composite materials allows for higher cabin pressure and humidity levels, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights. The system is designed to maintain optimal humidity, enhancing comfort without risking corrosion that would be a concern in metal aircraft.
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