Hi All,
The aircraft cabin temperature is a crucial factor in ensuring passenger comfort and safety during flights. There have been many occurrences lately that passengers filed complaints in social medias of inordinately high temperatures in the aircraft cabin, which can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, severe health risks. Even reportedly some passengers forced to open emergency door. It’s too scary.
Hoping that the warm cabin is not relating to initiative for fuel costs eficiency. Please see my article on fuel costs saving ; Studies have indicated that operating one – air condition pack less in flight could save about 0.3 to 0.8 percent fuel flow. The decision to shut down one pack should be based on passengers load and time when food is served. This would amount to $ 4,000 to $ 10,000 fuel savings per year. ( Dr George Radnoti ).
Air Conditioning and Pressurization are normally, bleed air for air conditioning and pressurization is supplied by the engines. The APU can also be used to supply bleed air. Cabin temperature is controlled by the flight deck. Temperature is controlled separately for the flight deck and for the passenger cabin
The primary reason for high cabin temperatures in aircraft is related to the air conditioning system’s operation. Aircraft utilize air cycle machines (ACMs) for cooling, which function based on the thermodynamic principle of the Brayton cycle. This cycle, while efficient, is subject to the external temperature, which can lead to increased cabin temperatures in hot climates. Another contributing factor is the heat produced by passengers and electronic devices on board.
Again, The relationship between cabin temperature and fuel consumption in aircraft is not straightforward. While it is true that a reduction in cooling efforts can decrease the load on the aircraft’s engines and thus reduce fuel consumption, this cannot be done at the expense of passenger comfort and safety. Aircraft manufacturers and airlines must balance fuel efficiency with the need to maintain a steady and comfortable cabin temperature.
High cabin temperatures pose significant health risks to passengers. Immediate discomfort, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are common issues faced by passengers in excessively warm cabins. For vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions, higher temperatures can exacerbate existing health issues and potentially lead to severe conditions such as heatstroke.
Several global airlines have faced irregularities due to cabin heat problems. For instance, in 2017, a United Airlines flight had to be evacuated after the cabin temperature rose dramatically due to an air conditioning malfunction. Similarly, in 2019, an Air France flight faced delays after passengers complained of unbearable heat in the cabin, which was later attributed to an air conditioning issue (Jones, 2019). These instances underscore the pressing need for effective temperature regulation in aircraft cabins.
In short, while maintaining a comfortable aircraft cabin temperature is a complex task that involves balancing the requirements of fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and safety, it is essential for airlines’ successful operation. The dangers of excessive cabin heat underscore the importance of efficient temperature regulation. As technology continues to advance, airlines and aircraft manufacturers must focus on developing more efficient and effective ways to control cabin temperature, thereby enhancing the flying experience for passengers and potentially realizing substantial fuel savings.
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant
