Power management and distribution equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a power management and distribution device for supplying power to personal electronic devices via socket units at passenger seats in an aircraft cabin, wherein the power management and distribution device comprises a first interface for receiving supply power from a main control unit connected to a main power supply, a second interface for providing the supply power received at the first interface to another power management and distribution device, a third interface for providing the supply power received at the first interface to the personal electronic device via the socket unit, and a control unit configured to control the electrical socket power drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a power management and distribution system comprising such a device and to a method for managing and distributing power in an aircraft cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a power management and distribution device for supplying power to a personal electronic device in an aircraft cabin. Furthermore, the invention relates to a power management and distribution system and a method for supplying power to a personal electronic device in an aircraft cabin. Background Art

[0002] The electrical power available to power personal electronic devices (PEDs) on board aircraft is often limited. In order to distribute the available power among multiple personal electronic devices, US 9,914,548 B1 relates to a power management and load sharing circuit that utilizes centralized control and distribution of electrical power to all PEDs. Summary of the invention

[0003] In the present disclosure, electrical power can be transmitted between two entities (e.g., units or devices that are directly or indirectly electrically connected). A direct electrical connection between two entities is provided only by a power connection, such as a single cable or multiple connected cables (having one or more twisted wires). In contrast, an indirect electrical connection between two entities is provided via at least one other entity, such as a third unit or device. Similarly, information or data can be transmitted between two entities, for example, between two units or devices that are directly or indirectly electrically connected. A direct electronic connection between two entities is provided only by a data connection, such as a single data cable or multiple connected data cables (having one or more twisted wires). In contrast, an indirect electronic connection between two entities is provided via at least one other entity, such as a third unit or device. In an indirect electronic connection between two entities, data processing can be performed between the two entities.

[0004] The present invention relates to a power management and distribution device (PMDD) for supplying power to a personal electronic device (PED) via a socket unit. Each socket unit may be configured to supply power to a single or multiple PEDs. Some or all of the socket units may include a plug for supplying power to one or more PEDs via a cable. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the socket units may be configured to supply power to one or more PEDs wirelessly. Each socket unit may be provided at a passenger seat in an aircraft cabin. Each seat group in the cabin may be assigned to a PMDD for supplying power to the PED via a socket unit at a seat in the seat group. Thus, a seat group consisting of three seats may include, for example, a PMDD assigned to the group, and a single socket unit (three socket units in total) for each seat powered by a single PMDD. The PMDD may include a single housing, preferably an aluminum housing, in which all of its components may be housed. The PMDD may be retrofitted to an existing aircraft. The PEDs may include smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, and other personal electronic devices.

[0005] The PMDD of the present invention includes a first interface for receiving power supply from a main control unit (MCU) connected to a main power supply. The main power supply may be an alternating current (AC) power supply and may provide the main electrical power to the MCU. The main power supply may be an aircraft engine, which may include a turbine driving a generator. The MCU may convert the main electrical power received from the power supply into power supply for one or more PMDDs. In addition, the PMDD includes a second interface for providing at least a portion of the power supply received at the first interface to another PMDD. The first and second interfaces may be directly electrically and / or electronically connected inside the PMDD (e.g., inside the PMDD housing). Alternatively, the connection may be active and / or indirect, for example, a control unit (such as a microcontroller) may receive power and / or data from the MCU via the first interface, may optionally process the data and / or convert the power, and may provide the power and / or data to other PMDDs via the second interface. The first and second interfaces may each be configured as a plug, for example, including an EN4165 socket, and / or may each provide one or more transmission lines, for example, for providing a three-phase power supply.

[0006] The PMDD comprises a third interface for providing at least a portion of the power supply received at the first interface to the PED via a socket unit. The third interface may be configured as a plug, for example, comprising a SUB-D socket. The third interface may include a socket for a plurality of and / or all socket units powered by the PMDD. The third interface may include a socket for each socket unit powered by the PMDD. The first interface and the third interface may be indirectly electrically and / or electronically connected inside the PMDD (e.g., within the housing of the PMDD). The indirect electronic connection may be via a control unit.

[0007] In addition, the PMDD comprises a control unit, which may be a microcontroller, configured to, i.e., specifically adapted to, e.g., programmed to, control the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit. The control unit may be powered by a portion of the supply power received at the first interface. The control unit may limit the electrical socket power drawn by all PEDs connected to the PMDD to ensure that all the PEDs do not draw more power from the PMDD than a predefined limit. The PMDD may disable some or all socket units and / or assign power limit values ​​to some or all socket units. Each socket unit may be assigned the same power limit value by the control unit. Alternatively, the control unit may assign a separate power limit value to each socket unit, wherein the separate power limit values ​​may be different from each other. When assigning power limit values ​​to the socket units, the control unit may take into account the power required to power the socket units themselves.

[0008] Advantageously, by controlling the power of the electrical sockets used to power the PEDs dispersed for each seat group via the PMDD of the present invention, a more versatile power distribution can be achieved. Specifically, the available power for powering the PEDs can be more intelligently allocated, thereby ensuring an improved user experience. In particular, in the present invention, the power limits for the PEDs can be decentralized and controlled in the PMDDs (particularly relatively small PMDDs for the power they can provide), rather than being centralized in the MCU. Therefore, the present invention allows the use of relatively small PMDDs that can be easily integrated in the seat group / cabin while providing satisfactory power to multiple PEDs / users. Therefore, using the PMDD of the present invention, PEDs of different PMDDs (e.g., different seat groups) can be controlled without affecting each other by using a small cluster of PMDDs.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is configured to determine a power control signal, which is used to control the electrical socket power drawn by at least one PED via at least one socket unit. In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine such a power control signal for each PED connected to a PMDD. In addition, the PMDD is configured to send a power control signal to at least one socket unit via a third interface. The power control signal can be sent periodically by the PMDD. The socket unit connected to the third interface of the PMDD can receive the power control signal and can implement power control on the PED coupled to the socket unit. For example, if the control unit of the PMDD determines that the power of the socket unit should be limited to a certain value, the power control signal can transmit the information to the socket unit, which can implement the power limit. The advantage provided by this embodiment is that the power limit is implemented directly at the socket unit, thereby simplifying the configuration of the PMDD.

[0010] The control unit of the PMDD may determine a power control signal for controlling the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit based on a tri-state signal received from the MCU via the first interface. The tri-state signal may indicate disconnecting unused socket units, disconnecting all socket units, or using all socket units. The tri-state signal may be provided to another PMDD via a second signal.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PMDD further comprises a power measurement unit configured to measure the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit. The power measurement unit may comprise a voltmeter and / or an ammeter. The PMDD may comprise a power measurement unit configured to individually measure the electrical socket power drawn by each PED at each socket unit, and / or may be configured to comprehensively determine the total socket power drawn by all socket units and / or all PEDs.

[0012] The control unit may be configured to limit the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit based on the measured electrical socket power. This allows for optimal utilization of the available power, thereby maximizing the user experience.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PMDD further comprises a non-volatile memory connected to the control unit, wherein the non-volatile memory comprises a power limit value of the PMDD. The non-volatile memory may be at least readable and accessible. The non-volatile memory may be one of an EPROM and / or an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory may include more than one power limit value. The power limit value may be changed via one of the first, second or third interfaces. The power limit value may be a PMDD specific value and / or a value determined based on the cabin layout. The power limit value may be a static value that does not change during normal and expected operation of the PMDD. The control unit may be configured to limit the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit based on a comparison of the measured electrical socket power with the power limit value. For example, if the measured electrical socket power is greater than the power limit value, the control unit may reduce the power limit value for all or some PEDs to ensure that the PMDD operates within its power limit value. Advantageously, by providing each PMDD with its own power limit value, PMDDs of different equipment with different power limits may be used in combination. For example, a PMDD with a relatively high power limit can be used for a seat group in a business class to provide power to a first number of seats. Another PMDD with a lower power limit can be used for a seat group in an economy class to provide power to a second number of seats, where the first number of seats can be equal to or even less than the second number of seats. In addition, this embodiment ensures that each PMDD operates within its power limit in a simple and reliable manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to limit the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit to a limited number of discrete power levels. The discrete power levels may be predetermined and stored on a non-volatile memory of the PMDD. The discrete levels may be, for example, 0W, 15 / 10W, 27W, 45W and 60W. The discrete power levels may form a five-state signal. The control unit may be configured to limit the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit to one of the discrete power values. In other words, the control unit may assign one of the five discrete values ​​to each of its PEDs and / or socket units, respectively. Advantageously, the discrete levels of the electrical socket power supplied to the PED may be set according to the charging standard of the PED. In addition, the use of five discrete values ​​of power limit values ​​provides an adaptable and simultaneously simple PMDD device.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to limit the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit to the same power level for all socket units of the PMDD. This simplifies the control while ensuring an efficient distribution of the available power within the seat group. In particular, the power limit value is set to the same power limit value in this embodiment only for PEDs connected to the same PMDD, but not for all PEDs in the entire cabin. PEDs of different PMDDs may display different power limit values.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PMDD includes an AC / DC conversion device, which is configured to convert the AC power supply provided by the MCU via the first interface into a DC electrical socket power provided to the PED via the third interface and the socket unit. The AC power supply may be between 26-300VAC, preferably between 100-130VAC, and more preferably around 115VAC. Preferably, the DC electrical socket power provided by the PMDD is between 5-100VDC, more preferably around 10-50VDC, and more preferably around 28VDC. The AC / DC conversion device may include an AC / DC converter and a separate DC / DC converter. The AC / DC converter may include an active rectifier. The DC / DC converter may include an LLC half-bridge or full-bridge, an LLC transformer and / or a synchronous rectifier. The AC / DC converter and / or the DC / DC converter may be controllable, preferably controlled by a control unit of the PMDD. The advantage provided by this embodiment is that the device including the AC / DC conversion device is also configured to limit the power drawn by the PED via the socket unit of the PMDD.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PMDD further comprises a fourth interface. The fourth interface may be configured to provide electrical socket power to an in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen, which may be a portion of the power supply received via the first interface. Preferably, the control unit is configured to provide electrical socket power to the IFE screen. In one embodiment, electrical socket power may be provided from the PMDD to the IFE screen even if the power limit of the PMDD is reached and the control unit limits the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a power management and distribution system (PMDS), comprising at least one PMDD according to any one of the above-described embodiments and at least two socket units connected to a third interface of the PMDD. Each socket unit may comprise at least one USB socket and may be configured to provide electrical socket power to a PED connected to said USB socket. Each socket unit may comprise a separate housing, such as a plastic housing, in which all its components may be accommodated, wherein each said housing may be separate from the housing of the PMDD. Preferably, the PMDS may comprise up to eight socket units and therefore up to eight USB sockets configured to provide electrical socket power to up to eight PEDs simultaneously.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each socket unit is configured to receive a power control signal from a PMDD, and each socket unit is configured to limit the electrical socket power drawn by the PED according to the power control signal. Each socket unit can be preferably unidirectionally electronically connected to the PMDD via a third interface of the PMDD. The connection can be a direct electronic connection between the PMDD and the socket unit. Each socket unit can implement the received power control signal, for example by using a converter and / or a transistor, to limit the power drawn by the PED connected to the socket unit according to the power control signal.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each socket unit includes a power delivery unit (PDU) configured to negotiate a power contract with a coupled PED based on a power control signal received from a PMDD via a third interface. The negotiation can be completed via a handshake function between the socket unit and the PED. The PDU can be a power delivery controller. Preferably, the negotiation may include restrictions indicated by a power control signal from the PMDD. The PDU can control the converter and the transistor to provide electrical socket power to the PED based on the negotiation and power control signal. Advantageously, by combining negotiation and power limit, a function of the socket unit can be used to achieve two purposes. This enables the PMDD to have simplified configuration and reconfiguration.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the socket units comprises a socket plug for USB-C and another different socket plug for USB-A. This allows connecting and / or charging a variety of different PEDs on a single socket unit.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PMDS further comprises an MCU configured to receive main electrical power from a main power supply. In addition, the PMDS comprises a plurality of PMDDs according to any one of the above embodiments, each PMDD being configured to receive power supply from the MCU via its first interface. The PMDS may comprise a main power supply. The MCU may be configured to measure the power supply provided to the PMDD and may be configured to compare it with a predefined value, which may be stored in a non-volatile memory of the MCU. The MCU may preferably determine a tri-state signal based on the comparison. If the power supply drawn by the PMDD is higher than the predefined value of the MCU, the MCU may indicate to disconnect all unused socket units via a tri-state signal. In the case of takeoff or landing, the MCU may indicate to disconnect all socket units via a tri-state signal. If the power supply drawn by the PMDD is lower than the predefined value of the MCU, the MCU may indicate to use all socket units via a tri-state signal. Each PMDD may be configured to receive the tri-state signal via a direct electronic connection to the MCU or via an indirect electronic connection to the MCU. The control unit of each PMDD may be configured to determine a power control signal based on the tri-state signal received from the MCU via the first interface.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first PMDD is directly electrically and electronically connected to the MCU via its first interface, and the second PMDD is indirectly electrically and electronically connected to the MCU via its first interface. In particular, the second PMDD is directly electrically and electronically connected to the second interface of the first PMDD in a daisy-chain manner via its first interface.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a method for managing and distributing power in an aircraft cabin using a PMDD. Preferably, the method is performed by a PMDD according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The method comprises the step of measuring the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via a socket unit. The method comprises the step of determining a power control signal based on a comparison of the measured electrical socket power with a power limit of the PMDD. The method comprises the step of sending a power control signal to the socket unit for limiting the electrical socket power drawn by the PED via the socket unit. Preferably, the steps are performed in the order described. The method may further comprise the step of receiving a tri-state signal from the MCU. The method may further comprise the step of determining a power control signal based on the tri-state signal and / or the measured electrical socket power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An aircraft cabin with a power management and distribution system according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated.

[0026] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 Power management and distribution system.

[0027] Figure 3 Schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Power management and distribution equipment of the power management and distribution system.

[0028] Figure 4 Schematically shows an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Socket units for power management and distribution systems.

[0029] Figure 5 A state flow diagram of a method for managing and distributing power in an aircraft cabin according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 A power management and distribution system (PMDS) 1 in an aircraft cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The power management and distribution system 1 is configured to power personal electronic devices at a plurality of seats in the aircraft cabin. The PMDS comprises a main control unit (MCU) 2 which is electrically connected directly or indirectly to a main power source 3. Figure 1 The main power source 3 shown is an aircraft turbine, which includes a turbine that drives a generator (not shown). The main power source 3 provides main electrical power 8 to the MCU 2, which is AC power in this embodiment. The MCU 2 is electrically and electronically connected to a plurality of power management and distribution devices (PMDDs) 4a-4d. Each of the PMDDs 4a-4d is configured to power a plurality of personal electronic devices via a socket unit, which will be shown in more detail in further figures. In this embodiment, a first PMDD 4a is directly electrically and electronically connected to the MCU 2, wherein additional PMDDs 4b-4d are indirectly electrically and electronically connected to the MCU 2 via other PMDDs in a daisy-chain manner (see also Figure 2 ).

[0031] Each PMDD 4 may be assigned to a single seat group, for example, a seat group consisting of 2, 3, 4 or 5 individual seats. Figure 1 As schematically depicted in FIG. 4 , PMDD 4a may manage and allocate power for the left front seat group, and PMDD 4b may manage and allocate power for the right front seat group. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of socket units per seat group may be electrically and electronically connected to a corresponding PMDD 4. In an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figure, each cabin zone, such as first class, business class and / or economy class, may be equipped with a separate MCU 2, each of said MCUs 2 being connected to a main power supply 3, for example, in the manner described.

[0032] Figure 2 Shown in more detail Figure 1 PMDS 1. From Figure 2 It can be concluded that the PMDD 4 includes a first interface 12 for receiving the power supply 10 and the tri-state signal 32 directly from the MCU 2. The PMDD 4 includes a second interface 14, which is used to provide at least a portion of the power supply 10 received at the first interface 12 to another PMDD 4i. The PMDD 4i also includes a first interface 12i, which is used to receive the power supply 10i and the tri-state signal 32 directly from the MCU 2, for example via at least another PMDD 4. PMDD4 includes a third interface 16 connected to the socket unit 6a, 6b, for providing electrical socket power to a personal electronic device (PED). The socket units 6a, 6b can be located at the passenger seats in the aircraft cabin. The socket units 6a, 6b are directly electrically and electronically connected to the PMDD 4. In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, each socket unit 6a, 6b includes its own electrical wires and its own electronic data lines. Preferably, the socket units 6a, 6b are configured to draw power from the PMDD 4 and receive data from the PMDD 4. In one embodiment, the data connection of the socket units 6a, 6b to the PMDD 4 is unidirectional, so that the socket units 6a, 6b only receive data from the PMDD 4 and cannot send data to the PMDD 4. The PMDD 4 includes a data line for transmitting data to the PMDD 4. Figure 2 The PMDD 4 may control the IFE screen and may switch the power supplied to the screen via the fourth interface 17 on and off. Figure 2 Each PMDD 4i of the PMDS 1 can be configured the same as the PMDD 4.

[0033] exist Figure 3 This is shown in more detail in Figure 2 PMDD 4. From Figure 3 It can be concluded that the first interface 12 of the PMDD 4 is electrically and electronically connected to the second interface 14 of the PMDD 4 via the connector 34. The connector 34 can be a daisy chain connector, which can connect multiple PMDDs 4i in a daisy chain manner. The connection between the first interface 12 and the second interface 14 can be a direct connection. The second interface 14 can provide AC power supply 10i to another PMDD 4i. In addition, the second interface 14 can send a tri-state signal 32 received from the MCU 2 to another PMDD 4i.

[0034] The main interface 12 is preferably electrically connected directly to the input filter 30 to provide electrical power thereto. Preferably, the input filter 30 may include common mode and / or differential mode filters. In addition, the input filter 30 may include fuses and surge limiters and / or thermal fuses to protect other electronic devices within the PMDD 4 from the high current from the MCU 2. The input filter 30 is preferably electrically connected directly to the AC / DC converter 29. The AC / DC converter 29 may include an active rectifier. The AC / DC converter 29 may be composed of Figure 3 The AC / DC converter 29 is preferably directly electrically connected to the power factor correction (PFC) unit 28. The PFC unit 28 may be controlled by a control unit not shown. The control unit may be an integrated circuit (IC). Figure 3 The PFC unit 28 can control the AC / DC converter 29, for example, to increase the power factor of the power converted by the AC / DC converter 29, for improving the performance of the PMDD 4. The PFC unit 28 is preferably directly electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 26. The DC / DC converter 26 may include an LLC half-bridge or full-bridge, an LLC transformer, and a synchronous rectifier. The DC / DC converter 26 may be provided by a circuit in FIG. Figure 3 The at least one IC may be controlled by the control unit 18 of the PMDD 4. The DC / DC converter 26 may convert high DC voltage power into low DC voltage power.

[0035] The AC / DC conversion device including the AC / DC converter 29, the PFC unit 28 and the DC / DC converter 26 may be configured to convert the AC power supply power 10 provided from the MCU 2 via the first interface 12 into the DC electrical socket power 20. The DC electrical socket power provided by the DC / DC converter may be drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket units 6a, 6b, which are Figure 3 is not shown, but will be incorporated below Figure 4 Give a description.

[0036] The DC / DC converter 26 is preferably directly electrically connected to a power measurement unit (PMU) 24. The PMU 24 may include voltage and current meters configured to measure the voltage relative to ground and the current flowing through the PMU 24. The PMU 24 may include multiple voltage and current meters configured to measure the voltage generated by the PMU 24. Figure 31 . The PMU 24 may be configured to measure the electrical socket power 20 drawn by each socket unit 6a, 6b (not shown). The PMU 24 may be configured to send the result of the power measurement to the control unit 18. The PMU 24 may provide the electrical socket power 20 to the socket units 6a, 6b via the third interface 16. The third interface 16 may include at least one physical socket, such as at least one SUB-D socket. The PMU 24 is electrically connected to the fourth interface 17, wherein the PMU may be configured to measure the electrical socket power 20 drawn via the fourth interface 17 (e.g., by the IFE at the fourth interface 17).

[0037] The control unit 18 of the PMDD 4 is preferably directly electronically connected to the first interface 12. The control unit 18 receives the tri-state signal 32 from the MCU 2 via the first interface 12. The control unit 18 may be configured to determine the power control signal 22 based on the tri-state signal 32 and the result of the measured electrical socket power 20 provided by the PMU 24. The control unit 18 is electronically connected to a non-volatile memory 19. The non-volatile memory may be a RAM, an EPROM and / or an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 19 may include a power limit value of the PMDD 4 and may describe the power capability of the PMDD 4. The control unit 18 may determine the power control signal 22 based on the power limit value from the non-volatile memory 19. The control unit 18 may be a microcontroller.

[0038] exist Figure 4 It is shown that it can be coupled to Figure 3 4. As described above, a plurality of socket units 6 can be connected to the third interface 16 of the PMDD 4, and each of the plurality of socket units 6 can be configured as the socket unit 6 described below. The socket unit 6 is provided with the power control signal 22 from the PMDD 4 and at least a portion of the DC electrical socket power 20 via the third interface 16 directly connected to the input plug 36. The socket unit 6 can also be connected to the ground of the PMDD 4 via the input plug 36. The input plug 36 can be a SUB-D plug. The input plug 36 is preferably directly electrically and electronically connected to the lightning and ESD protection unit 38. The lightning and ESD protection unit 38 can further protect the electronic parts of the socket unit 6 from the high potential difference. The power control signal 22 is provided from the lightning and ESD protection unit 38 to the five-state logic unit 40, which provides a five-state signal to the control unit 46 of the socket unit 6. The lightning and ESD protection unit 38, the five-state logic unit 40, and the control unit 46 are electronically connected. The control unit 46 may be a microcontroller.

[0039] The lightning and ESD protection unit 38 is preferably directly electrically connected to the filter unit 42, which preferably provides 28 VDC. The filter unit 42 is electrically connected to the five-state logic unit 40 to provide power to the unit. In addition, the filter unit 42 is electrically connected to a DC / DC converter 44 for providing power to the control unit 46 and the power delivery unit 48. The DC / DC converter 44 can convert the 28 VDC into 3.3 VDC and 5 VDC to supply power to the power delivery unit 48 and the control unit 46, respectively. The power delivery unit 48 can be a PD controller, preferably a USB-PD controller. The power delivery unit 48 is electronically connected to the control unit 46 via I2C. The power delivery unit 48 can receive communication signals from the control unit 46, for example, the power control signal 22 provided from the PMDD via the plug 36.

[0040] exist Figure 4 The socket unit 6 shown in the figure includes one socket plug for USB-C 56 and one socket plug for USB-A 66. Alternatively, each socket unit 6 may include only a socket plug for USB-C 56. A PED may be coupled to each of the plugs 56, 66. The socket plug for USB-C 56 is directly electrically and electronically connected to a filter and / or lightning and ESD protection device 54, which is configured to protect the coupled PED. The filter and / or lightning and ESD protection device 54 is directly electrically connected to a transistor 52, preferably a MOSFET. The transistor 52 is electronically connected to the power delivery unit 48 and is electrically connected to a variable DC / DC converter 50. The DC / DC converter 50 is electrically connected to the filter unit 42 and is provided with a DC electrical socket power 20, preferably 28 VDC, by the filter unit 42. The DC / DC converter 50 is electronically connected to the power delivery unit 48 via CTL1 / CTL2. The power delivery unit 48 is electronically connected to the output plug for USB-C 56 via a filter / lightning and ESD protection device 54, and is configured to negotiate a power contract with a PED coupled to the output plug for USB-C 56 via CC1 / CC2. Based on receiving a power control signal 22 received from the PMDD 4 via I2C from the control unit 46, the power delivery unit 48 can negotiate a power contract according to the power control signal 22. For example, the power delivery unit 48 can control the DC / DC converter 50 to convert the voltage to a desired value. Similarly, the power delivery unit 48 can control the transistor 52 to limit the voltage and / or current to a desired value. Therefore, the power delivery unit 48 can limit the power drawn by the PED connected to the USB-C plug 56 to a desired value, which is determined by the control unit 18 of the PMDD and provided to the socket unit 6 via the third interface 16.

[0041] Also shown in this embodiment is a socket plug for USB-A 66 and corresponding electronic devices. The USB-A function can be omitted in another embodiment of the present invention. The socket plug for USB-A 66 is electrically and electronically connected to the filter / lightning and ESD protection device 62. The protection device 62 can be configured to protect the coupled PED. The filter / lightning and ESD protection device 62 is electrically connected to the charging port controller 64. The charging port controller can control the power provided to the PED coupled to the socket plug for USB-A 66 via the filter / lightning and ESD protection device 62. This can be done via another transistor not shown. The charging port controller 64 can be based on the D signal between the charging port controller 64 and the PED via the socket plug for USB-A 66 and the filter / lightning and ESD protection device 62. + / D-communication negotiation to complete the control of the power provided to the PED. The filter / lightning and ESD protection device 62 is electrically connected to a transistor 60, preferably a MOSFET. The transistor 60 is electronically connected to the control unit 46, which can turn the transistor 60 on or off, and thus turn the USB-A plug 66 on or off. Alternatively, the power can be limited to a level between the minimum (off) power and the maximum (on) power. The transistor 60 can send an overcurrent signal to the control unit 46 to indicate the current limit reached by the transistor 60. The transistor 60 is electrically connected to a DC / DC converter 58, which can be configured to convert the 28VDC electrical outlet power 20 from the filter unit 42 into 5VDC provided to the transistor 60.

[0042] Figure 5 Schematically illustrates the use of Figure 3The steps of the method for managing and distributing power in an aircraft cabin according to the power management and distribution device shown in FIG. In particular, the control unit 18 of the PMDD 4 may be configured to perform the method described below. Optionally, the method may include the step of receiving a tri-state signal from the MCU 2 (step not shown). In addition, the method includes the steps of measuring 68 the electrical socket power 20 drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket units 6a, 6b using the power measurement unit 24. Subsequently, the method includes the step of determining 70 a power control signal 22 based on a comparison of the measured electrical socket power 20 with the power limit of the PMDD 4. Specifically, based on the tri-state signal, the control unit 18 of the PMDD 4 may generate a power control signal 22 to disconnect some or all of the socket units. For the socket units that are not disconnected based on the tri-state signal, the control unit 18 determines the power control signal 22 based on a comparison of the measured socket power 20 with the power limit of the PMDD 4. For the socket units that are not turned off based on the tri-state signal, the control unit 18 determines the power control signal 22 based on a comparison of the measured socket power 20 with the power limit of the PMDD 4. If the measured electrical socket power 20 is greater than the power limit, the control unit 18 determines one of five discrete power limits for all non-disconnected socket units. Another step is the step of sending 72 a power control signal 22 to all socket units 6. Thus, each socket unit 6i may receive a specific power control signal 22i, or each socket unit 6 may receive the same power control signal 22. The final step 72 is to limit the electrical socket power 20 drawn by the PED in all socket units 6 based on the received power control signal 22.

[0043] For a particular embodiment, the PMDD 4 includes a power limit of 100W. When two PEDs are coupled that each draw 45W, the power limit of the PMDD 4 is not reached because only 90W is drawn. However, a third PED also attempts to draw 45W from the PMDD 4 via its socket unit 6, which will increase the total electrical socket power 20 drawn from the PMDD 4 to 135W. The PMDD 4 measures the drawn electrical socket power 20, compares the electrical socket power 20 to its power limit of 100W, and determines a power control signal 22 for all socket units 6 to ensure that the total power limit of 100W of the PMDD 4 is not exceeded. Each socket unit 6 negotiates a new power contract with the PED to which it is coupled based on the power control signal 22 provided to the socket unit. For example, the power control signal 22 may indicate that the maximum power of each socket unit is 27W. Therefore, each socket unit 6 will negotiate a new power contract with its PED to ensure that the entire socket unit draws no more than 27W of power.

[0044] List of reference marks

[0045] 1 Power Management and Distribution System

[0046] 2 Main control unit

[0047] 3 Main power supply

[0048] 4, 4a-4d Power management and distribution equipment

[0049] 6, 6a, 6b socket units

[0050] 8 (AC) Main power

[0051] 10 (AC) power supply

[0052] 12, 12i First interface

[0053] 14 Second interface

[0054] 16 Third interface

[0055] 17 Fourth interface

[0056] 18 Control Unit

[0057] 19 Non-volatile memory

[0058] 20 (DC) electrical socket power

[0059] 22 Power control signal

[0060] 24 Power measurement unit

[0061] 26 (DC / DC) Converter

[0062] 28 Power Factor Correction Unit

[0063] 29 (AC / DC) Converter

[0064] 30 Input filter

[0065] 32 tri-state signal

[0066] 34 (daisy chain) connector

[0067] 36 Input plug (for socket unit)

[0068] 38 Lightning and ESD protection units

[0069] 40 Five-state logic unit

[0070] 42 filter units

[0071] 44 (DC / DC) Converter

[0072] 46 Control unit (for socket unit)

[0073] 48 Power Delivery Unit

[0074] 50 (DC / DC) converter units

[0075] 52 transistors (for USB-C socket)

[0076] 54 Filters / Lightning and ESD protection devices (for USB-C receptacles)

[0077] 56 Socket plug for USB-C

[0078] 58 (DC / DC) Converter

[0079] 60 transistors (for USB-A sockets)

[0080] 62 Filters / Lightning and ESD protection devices (for USB-A receptacles)

[0081] 64 Charging Port Controller

[0082] 66 Socket plug for USB-A

[0083] 68 Measuring socket power via socket unit (procedure)

[0084] 70 Compare the measured outlet power with the power limit (step)

[0085] 72 Sending a power control signal to the socket unit

Claims

1. A power management and distribution device (4) for powering personal electronic devices via socket units (6a, 6b) at passenger seats in an aircraft cabin, the power management and distribution device (4) comprising: - a first interface (12) for receiving supply power (10) from a main control unit (2) connected to a main power source (3); - a second interface (14) for providing the supply power (10) received at the first interface (12) to another power management and distribution device (4i); - a third interface (16) for providing the power supply (10) received at the first interface (12) to the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b); - a power measuring unit (24) configured to measure the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b); as well as - a control unit (18) configured to limit the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b) based on the measured electrical socket power (20), the control unit (18) being configured to limit the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b) to a limited number of discrete power levels.

2. The power management and distribution device (4) according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (18) is configured to determine a power control signal (22) for controlling the electrical socket power (20) drawn by at least one of the personal electronic devices via at least one of the socket units (6a; 6b), and wherein the power management and distribution device (4) is configured to send the power control signal (22) to the at least one socket unit (6a; 6b) via the third interface (16).

3. The power management and distribution device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a non-volatile memory (19) connected to the control unit (18), wherein: The non-volatile memory (19) comprises a power limit value of the power management and distribution device (4), and wherein the control unit (18) is configured to limit the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b) based on a comparison of the measured electrical socket power (20) with the power limit value.

4. A power management and distribution device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control unit (18) is configured to limit the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket units (6a, 6b) to the same power level for all socket units (6a, 6b) of the power management and distribution device (4).

5. The power management and distribution device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an AC / DC conversion device (26, 28, 29), which is configured to convert the AC power supply (10) provided by the main control unit (2) via the first interface (12) into DC power provided to the personal electronic device via the third interface (16) and the socket unit (6a, 6b).

6. The power management and distribution device (4) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fourth interface (17), wherein: The power management and distribution device (4) is configured to provide electrical socket power (20) to the in-flight entertainment screen via the fourth interface (17).

7. A power management and distribution system (1), comprising: - at least one power management and distribution device (4) according to any of the preceding claims; and - at least two socket units (6a, 6b) connected to a third interface (16) of the power management and distribution device (4), each socket unit (6a, 6b) comprising at least one USB socket and each socket unit being configured to provide electrical socket power (20) to a personal electronic device.

8. The power management and distribution system (1) according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the outlet units (6a, 6b) is configured to receive a power control signal (22) from the power management and distribution device (4) and is configured to limit the electrical outlet power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device in accordance with the power control signal (22).

9. The power management and distribution system (1) according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the outlet units (6a, 6b) includes a power delivery unit (48) configured to negotiate a power contract with a coupled personal electronic device based on a power control signal (22) received from the power management and distribution device (4) via the third interface (16).

10. The power management and distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: At least one of the socket units (6a; 6b) includes a socket plug for USB-C (56) and a socket plug for USB-A (66).

11. The power management and distribution system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising: - a main control unit (2) configured to receive main electrical power (8) from a main power source (3); and - A plurality of power management and distribution devices (4, 4i) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, each power management and distribution device (4, 4i) being configured to receive supply power (10, 10i) from the master control unit (2) via its first interface (12, 12i).

12. The power management and distribution system (1) according to claim 11, wherein: A first power management and distribution device (4) is connected to the main control unit (2) via its first interface (12), and a second power management and distribution device (4i) is connected to a second interface (14) of the first power management and distribution device (4) in a daisy-chain manner via its first interface (12i).

13. A method for managing and distributing power in an aircraft cabin using a power management and distribution device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising the following steps: - measuring (68) the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b); - determining (70) a power control signal (22) based on a comparison of the measured electrical socket power (20) with a power limit of the power management and distribution device (4); and - sending (72) a power control signal (22) to the socket unit (6a, 6b) to limit the electrical socket power (20) drawn by the personal electronic device via the socket unit (6a, 6b).

Images