Aircraft potable water system

Abstract

An aircraft potable water system ( 20 ) comprises outlet facilities ( 30 ) and a recirculation path ( 40 ) that supplies potable water thereto. The system ( 20 ) can operate in a high-usage condition whereat recirculation through path ( 40 ) is temporarily interrupted, thereby permitting supply water pressure to remain relatively high despite water being quickly tapped therefrom.

1 . An aircraft potable water system comprising at an outlet facility for selectively dispensing potable water, and a recirculation path that supplies water to the outlet facility;
 wherein the system is convertible between a normal-usage condition, whereat water circulation through the recirculation path is constant and continuous, and a high-usage condition, whereat water circulation is temporarily interrupted.   
     
     
         2 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of outlet facilities and wherein the recirculation path supplies water to the plurality of outlet facilities. 
     
     
         3 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the outlet facilities are adapted for ice-making, showering, teeth brushing, dish washing, cooking, coffee brewing, and/or toilet flushing. 
     
     
         4 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the conversion between the normal-usage condition and the high-usage condition is accomplished with a usage-condition appliance. 
     
     
         5 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the usage-condition appliance comprises a valve movable to at least two positions, the first position corresponding to the normal-usage condition and the second position corresponding to the high-usage condition. 
     
     
         6 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the valve is an electric valve. 
     
     
         7 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the electric valve is a motorized valve. 
     
     
         8 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein movement is approximately 90° between the two positions. 
     
     
         9 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the usage-condition appliance is merged with tank-fill-purge functions. 
     
     
         10 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the appliance is convertible to a condition corresponding to the tank-fill-purge functions. 
     
     
         11 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the system automatically converts between the normal-usage condition and the high-usage condition based on water flow rate to the outlet facilities. 
     
     
         12 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising a detector that provides input regarding water consumption at the outlet facilities and wherein the system automatically converts between the normal-usage condition and the high-usage condition based on this input. 
     
     
         13 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the detector is a transducer having an output signal proportional to water pressure in the recirculation path. 
     
     
         14 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein input from the detector causes a valve to convert between the normal-usage condition and the high-usage condition. 
     
     
         15 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 4 , comprising a controller that instructs the appliance to convert between the normal-usage condition and the high-usage condition. 
     
     
         16 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the controller receives input from a detector and instructs the appliance based on this input. 
     
     
         17 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the controller instructs a valve to move between normal-usage and high-usage positions. 
     
     
         18 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a timer that returns the system from its high-usage condition to its normal-usage condition after a predetermined period of time regardless of water flow rate to the outlet facilities. 
     
     
         19 . An aircraft potable water system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the recirculation water path incorporates a storage tank, a pump, delivery plumbing connecting the pump discharge to the outlet facilities, and return plumbing connecting the delivery line to the storage tank. 
     
     
         20 . An aircraft with the potable water system set forth in  claim 19  installed thereon.