Success Story Predictive Maintenance

Aviation

The optimal utilization of an aircraft fleet is an essential success factor for airlines. Every minute an aircraft is on the ground translates into a financial loss. Unplanned technical defects are usually the cause. In our globalized world, an Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) event can have far-reaching consequences for the disposition of aircraft, spare parts and specialists. The permanent analysis of data can provide early indications of impending component failures, including hidden component defects.

pre-warning time before an AOG

The Case

  • In the majority of commercial aircraft types, the air supply, air conditioning and pressure maintenance in the cabin is controlled by air that is discharged into the aircraft interior through the engines
  • Depending on altitude and required engine power, special valves must direct the airflow differently
  • The air conditioning system is designed redundantly, but a so-called “double bleed failure” can still occur
  • Because: the incorrect closing of two valves simultaneously causes a sudden loss of pressure in the cabin
  • As a result, the aircraft must reach a low altitude in a very short amount of time and interrupt the flight
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Highlights

  • Our analyses revealed how redundant components in the air conditioning system fail gradually
  • This may not only lead to a pressure loss, but also to failures in the de-icing system of the wings, which are critical for flight operations
  • Most of the information about the condition of the valves can only be derived indirectly, so only an AI can make reliable statements
  • By combining engine performance data with control inputs from the aircraft crew, predictions can be made about hidden damage?(Combining human-machine)

Result

With the help of mi solutions, signs of redundancy loss and other malfunctions can be detected up to two weeks before a critical situation occurs – and thus can be avoided in most cases. This also includes events that cannot be detected by manufacturer-specific technologies. This lead time gives operators enough leeway to choose a suitable time and airport for maintenance before the failure occurs. After all, the financial loss caused by the delay of just one long-haul jet by two hours can be as high as EUR 100,000.

Your Contact

Louis von Beaulieu

Louis von Beaulieu

Phone: +49 160 90839756

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