Power generation system for aircraft and related method

By configuring multiple generators and converters between the low-voltage shaft and high-voltage shaft of the aircraft turbomachine, and combining control modules and adjustment units, the selection of dynamic power targets and the determination of the parameterized set value of the converter is solved, and the static error and high-precision measurement requirements of the existing aircraft power generation system are improved in the implementation of hybrid power strategies, and the robustness and reliability of the system are improved, reducing costs and complexity.

CN120188362APending Publication Date: 2025-06-20SAFRAN SA +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380076199.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-11-08
Filing Date
2023-10-24
Publication Date
2025-06-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing aircraft power generation systems have static errors and high-precision measurement requirements when implementing hybrid strategies, resulting in increased system cost and complexity.

Method used

A power generation system is designed, and by configuring two generators and corresponding converters between the low-voltage shaft and the high-voltage shaft of the aircraft turbomachine, combining the control module, adjustment unit, hybrid unit and selection unit in the control device, the selection of dynamic power targets and the determination of the parameterized setting value of the converter is realized.

Benefits of technology

The system can reconfigure the supply path in real time without the need for high-speed communication lines, reducing static errors, improving system robustness and reliability, and reducing cost and complexity.

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Abstract

There is disclosed an electrical power generation system (1) for powering at least one aircraft electrical power network, the system comprising: a control device (2) configured to determine a first parameterized setpoint (PCONS1) of a first power supply path (V1) and a second parameterized setpoint (PCONS2) of a second power supply path (V2), the control device (2) being configured to determine a first power generation setpoint (PECU1) if the first power generation setpoint (PECU1) is a power command; if so, determining a first power target (PBP1 *) and a second power target (PBP2 *) on the basis of the first power generation setpoint (PECU1); and a selection unit (14) configured to select the second power target (PBP2 *) as the first power set value (PBP *) in a default case, and to select the first power target (PBP1 *) as the first power set value (PBP *) in a case where a failure occurs in the second power supply path (V2).
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric power generation system for an aircraft, and more generally to a hybrid electric power system for an aircraft. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Climate change is a major issue of concern to numerous global legislative and regulatory bodies. Various countries have established, are establishing, or will establish a number of restrictions on carbon emissions. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to new and existing in-service aircraft, requiring the implementation of technical solutions to bring them into compliance with current regulations. For many years, the civil aviation industry has been working to address climate change.

[0003] Technical research work has significantly improved the environmental performance of aircraft. The applicant takes into account initial factors at all design and development stages to obtain aircraft components and products with lower energy consumption and greater environmental friendliness, and to make their integration and use in the civil aviation industry have a moderate environmental impact, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of aircraft.

[0004] This ongoing research and development work has particularly focused on a new generation of thermoelectric hybrid aircraft engines. The applicant's goal is to develop aircraft integrating high-power electric power generation systems. This will make it possible to increase the proportion of on-board electrical equipment to reduce fuel consumption.

[0005] In fact, in traditional aircraft turbomachinery, it is known to integrate an electric power generator that obtains mechanical energy from the low-pressure shaft of the aircraft turbomachinery to generate electrical energy that is distributed to the electrical power distribution unit.

[0006] To increase the generation of electrical energy, see Figure 1 , a power generation system 100 is proposed, which is configured to obtain mechanical energy from the low-pressure shaft BP of the aircraft turbomachinery T on the one hand and from the high-pressure shaft HP on the other hand to provide a calibrated distribution voltage to the electrical network REA of the aircraft. In other words, the power generation system 100 has at least two power supply paths, namely the BP path and the HP path. The power generation system 100 can also be connected to a power source BAT or an electrical load LOAD.

[0007] In fact, the power generation system 100 is configured to receive a power generation setpoint P ECU . This power generation setpoint P ECU is used to determine, for example, the amount of electrical power to be generated, the mechanical load on each shaft, etc. In other words, the power generation setpoint P ECU is used to determine the selected hybrid power strategy.

[0008] See Figure 2, the power generation system 100 includes two generators G1, G2, which are respectively connected to the low-pressure shaft BP and the high-pressure shaft HP of the turbomachine T. The power generation system 100 also includes two converters C1, C2 respectively associated with the two generators G1, G2, in particular inverters. Each generator G1, G2 generates alternating current, which is then rectified by its converter C1, C2 to provide a distribution voltage V to the power distribution unit EDU DC , the power distribution unit EDU is electrically connected to the electrical network REA, the power supply BAT or the electrical load LOAD of the aircraft.

[0009] In this example, an application related to power generation is shown, but the present invention is more widely applicable to the field of hybrid power, in which the electric machine performs a generator function on the one hand, obtaining mechanical energy from the low-pressure shaft BP or the high-pressure shaft HP; and performs an engine function on the other hand, injecting mechanical energy into the low-pressure shaft BP or the high-pressure shaft HP. For the engine function, each converter C1, C2 can also convert the DC voltage V DC into alternating current to supply power to the two electric machines G1, G2 respectively to inject power.

[0010] For the sake of clarity and conciseness, only the power generation function is shown. For the engine function, the calculation unit ECU provides an injection setpoint P ECU to determine, for example, the mechanical energy injected on each shaft, etc. The hybrid system is bidirectional and can generate electrical energy and inject mechanical energy.

[0011] In a known manner, each converter C1, C2 includes a plurality of switches, in particular power transistors, allowing the adjustment of the generated electrical power and the electrical power obtained by each generator G1, G2 from each shaft BP, HP. The power generation system 100 includes control means 200 for issuing a parameterized setpoint P ECU to each converter C1, C2 according to the power generation setpoint P CONS1 、P CONS2 to obtain a distribution voltage V adapted to the power distribution unit EDU DC .

[0012] In the prior art, see Figures 3 to 5 , a variety of control means 200a, 200b, 200c are known for providing a parameterized setpoint P CONS1 、P CONS2 to the converters C1, C2 of each power supply path V1, V2.

[0013] See Figure 3 , it is known that the control means 200a includes a first adjustment unit 201a and a second adjustment unit 202a, respectively according to the power generation setpoint P ECUPower setting values P are provided to the first processing unit 203a and the second processing unit 204a BP* and P HP* . In this way, each regulating unit 201a, 202a can independently implement the hybrid power strategy determined by the power generation set value P ECU . The first processing unit 203a and the second processing unit 204a respectively provide parameterized setting values P BP* and P HP* to the first converter C1 and the second converter C2 CONS1 and P CONS2 . In this example, each regulating unit 201a, 202a compares the distributed voltage V DC with the distributed voltage set value V DC* , while considering the power generation set value P ECU , and performs independent control of the respective converters C1, C2. In this example, the power supply paths V1 and V2 are symmetric.

[0014] Although this "decentralized" architecture is simple and robust, its disadvantage is that it generates a non - zero static error. For example, the distributed voltage V DC supplied to the power distribution unit EDU depends on the load level of the power distribution unit EDU, which requires templates covering a large fluctuation range. This increases the cost and complexity of the EDU. Additionally, such regulation highly depends on the measured value of the distributed voltage V DC , which means that the measurement acquisition chain of the distributed voltage V DC must have high precision. This increases the cost and complexity.

[0015] See Figure 4 , there is also known a control device 200b, which includes a sharing unit 201b. The equalizing unit 201b provides a first parameterized setting value P ECU to the first converter C1 according to the power generation set value P CONS1 . Similar to Figure 3 , the control device 200b includes a regulating unit 202b and a processing unit 203b. The regulating unit 202b performs independent regulation by comparing the measured value of the distributed voltage V DC with the distributed voltage set value V DC* to provide the power setting value P HP* . The processing unit 203b provides a parameterized setting value P HP* to the second converter C2 according to the power setting value P CONS2 . In this example, the power supply paths V1 and V2 are asymmetric.

[0016] The advantage of this other "decentralized" architecture is to ensure the independence between the balancing unit 201b and the regulating unit 202b and the processing unit 203b. However, in the case of the failure of the regulating unit 202b and / or the processing unit 203b, the robustness of such an architecture is poor. The balancing unit 201b may require a long "power" time for reconfiguration, which may lead to partial power failures. In addition, the balancing unit 201b must continuously receive the power generation setpoint P ECU to operate.

[0017] See Figure 5 , there is also known a control device 200c, which includes a regulating unit 202c. The regulating unit 202c provides a power setpoint P DC by comparing the measured value of the distribution voltage V DC* with the distribution voltage setpoint V HP* . The control device 200c includes a balancing unit 201c. The balancing unit 201c provides parameterized setpoints P ECU and P HP* to the converters C1, C2 according to the power generation setpoint P CONS1 and the power setpoint P CONS2 . In this example, the power supply paths V1 and V2 are symmetrical.

[0018] The advantage of this "centralized" architecture is its robustness in the case of the failure of the regulating unit 202c or the partial operation of the balancing unit 201c. The disadvantage of such an architecture is that fast communication greater than 10 kHz is required between the regulating unit 202c and the balancing unit 201c to transmit the power setpoint P HP* . To achieve this purpose, a dedicated computing unit needs to be provided to ensure the transmission of the power setpoint P HP* between the regulating unit 202c (high voltage side) and the balancing unit 201c (low voltage side), which increases the computing requirements and raises the cost.

[0019] The object of the present invention is to propose an electric power generation system that eliminates at least some of the above disadvantages.

[0020] US20180291807A1 and US2021380264A1 teach a system and method for distributing electric power to an aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0021] The present invention relates to an electric power generation system for powering at least one electrical network of an aircraft. The aircraft includes at least one aircraft turbomachine, and the turbomachine includes a low-pressure shaft and a high-pressure shaft configured to be driven to rotate. The electric power generation system is configured to receive a general power generation setpoint defining a hybrid power strategy. The electric power generation system includes: · A first power supply path, comprising: · A first generator configured to generate alternating current by obtaining mechanical energy from one of a low-pressure shaft and a high-pressure shaft; · A first converter associated with the first generator for converting the generated alternating current into a first distribution current according to its parameterization, the first converter generating a first power as a function of a distribution voltage; - A second power supply path, comprising: · A second generator configured to generate alternating current by obtaining mechanical energy from the other of the low-pressure shaft and the high-pressure shaft; · A second converter associated with the second generator for converting the generated alternating current into a second distribution current according to its parameterization, the second converter generating a second power as a function of the distribution voltage; · A control device configured to determine a first parameterization setpoint for the first converter and a second parameterization setpoint for the second converter, the control device comprising: · A control module configured to provide a first power generation setpoint to the first power supply path and a second power generation setpoint to the second power supply path based on a general power generation setpoint, one of the first power generation setpoint and the second power generation setpoint being a voltage command and the other being a power command; · A first control path for controlling the first power supply path, comprising: · A regulating unit configured to determine a first power target based on a distribution voltage setpoint and a measured value of the distribution voltage; · A hybrid power unit configured to determine a second power target based on the first power generation setpoint; · A selection unit configured to, regardless of whether the first power generation setpoint is a power command, · By default, select the second power target as the first power setpoint, and · When a fault occurs in the second power supply path, select the first power target as the first power setpoint; · A processing unit configured to determine a first parameterization setpoint for the first converter based on the first power setpoint.

[0022] Advantageously, the second power target corresponds to a power target capable of following a hybrid power strategy. The first power target is determined by voltage regulation and serves as a backup target when the hybrid power strategy is no longer satisfied. Advantageously, the second power target can be transmitted via a slow communication line, and the first power target can quickly take over in case of a fault. Advantageously, the control module allows power control of one of the power supply paths and dynamically adapts when a fault occurs in the other power supply path.

[0023] ​​In addition, a high-speed communication line is not required because the power supply path can be reconfigured in real time.

[0024] Preferably, the selection unit is configured such that if the first power generation set value is a voltage command, the first power target is selected as the first power set value. In this way, safer voltage control is accepted according to the request. During operation degradation, only power control can be adjusted.

[0025] According to one aspect, a power generation system includes at least one power distribution unit powered by a converter at a distributed voltage. The distribution unit is preferably in the form of a bus.

[0026] According to one aspect, the control module also belongs to the power distribution unit. In this way, the computing resources of the distribution unit can be centrally allocated.

[0027] Preferably, the control device includes a second control path for controlling the second power supply path, and the control device includes: · An adjustment unit configured to determine a first power target based on a distributed voltage set value and a measured value of the distributed voltage; · A hybrid power unit configured to determine a second power target based on a second power generation set value; - A selection unit configured to: · If the second power generation set value is a voltage command, select the first power target as the second power set value; · If the second power generation set value is a power command, by default select the second power target as the second power set value, and when a failure occurs in the first power supply path, select the first power target as the second power set value; · A processing unit configured to determine a second parameterization set value of the second converter based on the second power set value.

[0028] Preferably, the first control path and the second control path have similar units. In this way, decentralized control is achieved.

[0029] According to one aspect, a power generation system includes: · At least one third power supply path including a third converter, powered by a third power source, for generating a third distributed current according to its parameterization, and the third converter generates a third power as a function of the distributed voltage, · A control device configured to determine a third parameterization set value of the third converter, and the control device includes a third control path for controlling the third power supply path, · A control module configured to provide a third power generation set value to the third power supply path based on a general power generation set value, where only one power generation set value is a voltage command and the rest are power commands.

[0030] Thus, the power generation system can be extended to more than two paths to implement a complex hybrid power strategy.

[0031] According to one aspect, the selection unit of the first control path is configured to: · - If the first power generation setpoint is a power command, by default select the second power target as the first power setpoint, and when a failure occurs in the second power supply path or the third power supply path, select the first power target as the first power setpoint.

[0032] In this way, the first power supply path takes into account the operating states of other power supply paths before applying the power command, thereby improving the reliability.

[0033] Preferably, each generator is in the form of an electromechanical machine configured to inject mechanical energy into a low-pressure shaft or a high-pressure shaft (engine function). The converter associated with the generator is a bidirectional converter.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a power generation method for supplying power from the power generation system as described above to at least one power network of an aircraft. The aircraft includes at least one aircraft turbomachine, and the turbomachine includes a low-pressure shaft and a high-pressure shaft configured to be driven to rotate. The method includes the following steps: · Receive a general power generation setpoint defining a hybrid power strategy, · Based on the general power generation setpoint, provide a first power generation setpoint to the first power supply path and a second power generation setpoint to the second power supply path. One of the first power generation setpoint and the second power generation setpoint is a voltage command, and the other is a power command, · Determine a first power target based on the allocated voltage setpoint and the allocated voltage measurement value, · Determine a second power target based on the first power generation setpoint, · By default select the second power target as the first power setpoint, and when a failure occurs in the second power supply path select the first power target as the first power setpoint; · Determine a first parameterization setpoint of the first converter based on the first power setpoint.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a computer program product that includes at least one instruction sequence stored and readable by a processor, and once the instruction sequence is read by the processor, causes the steps of the method as described above to be executed.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable medium that includes the computer program product as described above. Description of the Drawings

[0037] The present invention given by way of example will be better understood by reading the following description and referring to the accompanying drawings given as non - limiting examples, wherein like reference numerals represent like objects.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a power generation system for obtaining mechanical energy from an aircraft turbomachine.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a power generation system and its generator, converter, power distribution unit, and control device.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a control device according to the prior art.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a control device according to the prior art.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a control device according to the prior art.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a power generation system according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control device of the generation system.

[0045] Figure 8 is a detailed schematic diagram of an adjustment unit of the control device.

[0046] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the operation of a first selection unit of a first control path.

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a generation system having a third power supply path.

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another implementation form of the generation system.

[0049] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings show in detail the embodiments of the present invention for facilitating the implementation of the present invention. Of course, the accompanying drawings can also be used to better define the present invention when necessary. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0050] Referring to Figure 6 , there is shown a power generation system 1 for an aircraft. The aircraft includes a turbomachine T, and the turbomachine T includes a low - pressure shaft BP and a high - pressure shaft HP. In this example, the turbomachine T includes a low - pressure compressor 71 and a low - pressure turbine 74 connected by the low - pressure shaft BP, and a high - pressure compressor 72 and a high - pressure turbine 73 connected by the high - pressure shaft HP.

[0051] The electric power generation system 1 is configured to obtain mechanical energy from the low-pressure shaft BP on the one hand and from the high-pressure shaft HP on the other hand, in order to supply a regulated voltage to the electrical network REA of the aircraft. The electric power generation system 1 can also be connected to the power supply BAT or to the electrical equipment LOAD to be powered.

[0052] In fact, as will be explained below, the electric power generation system more generally allows electric power hybridization in order to allow power to be obtained from or injected into the turbomachine T.

[0053] The electric power generation system 1 is configured to receive a general power generation setpoint P from the calculation unit ECU of the turbomachine T ECUG . This general power generation setpoint P ECUG is used to determine, for example, the amount of electrical power to be generated, the mechanical loads on each shaft, etc. In other words, the general power generation setpoint P ECUG is used to determine the selected hybridization strategy. In fact, the general power generation setpoint P ECUG takes the form of a power setpoint called "setpoint PS" or a power balance setpoint called "mode PS".

[0054] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the electric power generation system 1 includes two generators G1, G2 respectively connected to the low-pressure shaft BP and the high-pressure shaft HP of the turbomachine T. The electric power generation system 1 includes: · A first power supply path V1, which includes: · A first generator G1, which is configured to generate alternating current by obtaining mechanical energy from the low-pressure shaft BP, · A first converter C1 associated with the first generator G1, for converting the generated alternating current into a first distribution current I according to its parameterization DC1 , the first converter C1 generating a first power P as a function of the distribution voltage V DC , BP , · A second power supply path V2, which includes: · A second generator G2, which is configured to generate alternating current by obtaining mechanical energy from the high-pressure shaft HP, · A second converter C2 associated with the second generator G2, for converting the generated alternating current into a second distribution current I according to its parameterization DC2 , the second converter C2 generating a second power P as a function of the distribution voltage V DC , HP .

[0055] In this example, the first power supply path V1 is associated with the power output from the low-pressure shaft BP, while the second path V2 is associated with the power output from the high-pressure shaft HP. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0056] In this example, G1, G2 are preferably electromechanical machines capable of operating in generator mode or motor mode. In a known manner, each electromechanical machine includes a rotor fixed to a rotating shaft (in this example, the shaft BP or the shaft HP) and a stator including windings to generate three-phase alternating current. Preferably, the speed w and the angular position θ of each generator G1, G2 are available. The structure and operation of such electromechanical machines are well known and will not be discussed in further detail.

[0057] See Figure 6 , the power generation system 1 includes a power distribution unit EDU, which is electrically connected to the electrical network REA, the power supply BAT or the electrical load LOAD of the aircraft.

[0058] Each converter C1, C2 can supply a distribution voltage V to the power distribution unit EDU DC . Preferably, the power distribution unit EDU includes a voltage bus.

[0059] In a known manner, each converter C1, C2 includes a plurality of switches, in particular transistors, which enable the adjustment of the generated electrical power and the mechanical power obtained from each shaft BP, HP to adapt the distribution current I DC1 、I DC2 .

[0060] According to the present invention, see Figure 6 , the power generation system 1 includes a control device 2, which is configured to determine a first parameterized setpoint P CONS1 of the first converter C1 and a second parameterized setpoint P CONS2 of the second converter C2.

[0061] Preferably, each parameterized setpoint P CONS1 、P CONS2 is in the form of a pulse width modulation signal (MLI). Such parameterized setpoints P CONS1 、P CONS2 are used to control the switching of the transistors of the converters C1, C2.

[0062] See Figure 7 , the control device 2 includes a control module 20, which is configured to provide a first power generation setpoint P ECUG to the first power supply path V1 based on a general power generation setpoint P ECU1 , and provide a second power generation setpoint P ECU2 to the second power supply path V2According to the present invention, one of the first power generation setpoint P ECU1 and the second power generation setpoint P ECU2 is the voltage command InsV, and the other is the power command InsP. The power command InsP is intended to meet the criteria (power setting, power balancing, etc.) for supplying or obtaining power through the power supply paths V1, V2, while the voltage command InsV is intended to provide simple voltage regulation without involving the goal of hybrid power.

[0063] Advantageously, the power generation setpoints P ECU1 、P ECU2 have different natures in order to control the power supply paths V1, V2 in an asymmetric manner, while having a control device 2 including similar control paths VC1, VC2, as shown later.

[0064] Therefore, according to the situation changing over time, the type of command provided to each power supply path V1, V2 may change with the modification of the general power generation setpoint P ECUG , and the power generation setpoints P ECU1 、P ECU2 still maintain different natures.

[0065] Refer to Figure 7 , for the first power supply path V1, the control device 2 includes a first control path VC1, and the first control path VC1 includes an adjustment unit 11, and the adjustment unit 11 is configured to determine a first power target P DC* according to the measured values of the assigned voltage setpoint V DC and the assigned voltage V BP1* . According to an aspect of the present invention, the first adjustment unit 11 implements an adjustment loop with zero static error using a corrector (such as a proportional-integral type PI) to determine the first power target P DC* according to the measured values of the assigned voltage setpoint V DC and the assigned voltage V BP1* . In fact, the first power target P BP1* is determined in a manner similar to the prior art.

[0066] Still refer to Figure 7 , the first control path VC1 includes a hybrid power unit 13, and the hybrid power unit 13 is configured to determine a second power target P ECU1 based on the first power generation setpoint P BP2* . Preferably, the hybrid power unit 13 allows for determining an alternative target instead of the first power target P BP1* .

[0067] In fact, the hybrid power unit 13 determines the second power target P ECU1 according to the nature of the setpoint P BP2* , and the setpoint PECU1 It can directly be the target power setting value to be applied, or depend on P according to the hybrid power strategy ECU1 formula.

[0068] The second power target P BP2* corresponds to the power target that can follow the hybrid power strategy. The first power target P BP1* is determined by voltage regulation and corresponds to a standby target in case of a fault, as will be explained later.

[0069] The first control path VC1 includes a selection unit 14, which is configured as follows: · If the first power generation setting value P ECU1 is the voltage command InsV, then select the first power target P BP1* as the first power setting value P BP* , · If the first power generation setting value P ECU1 is the power command InsP, then by default select the second power target P BP2* as the first power setting value P BP* , and select the first power target P BP1* as the first power setting value P BP* in case of a fault in the second power supply path V2.

[0070] Figure 9 Shows an embodiment of the selection of the power target in the first control path VC1.

[0071] First, the selection unit 14 is configured to test the command of the first power generation setting value P ECU1 . If the first power generation setting value P ECU1 is the voltage command InsV, then select the first power target P BP1* as the first power setting value P BP* . The voltage command InsV is inherently safer than the power command InsP, and the latter can be safely applied even in case of a fault in the other power supply path V2.

[0072] If the first power generation setting value P ECU1 is the power command InsP, then the selection unit 14 is configured to test whether there is a fault in the second power supply path V2, especially by obtaining the operating state S EDU of the power distribution unit EDU and the operating state S EC2 of the second converter C2. EDU Preferably, each operating state S EC2 , S can be transmitted through discrete signals (on / off signals) so as to reconfigure the first power supply path V1 into an inherently safer voltage command InsV. Discrete transmission is faster than bus transmission.

[0073] In the event of a fault or operating state S EDU 、S C2 failing in the second power supply path V2, the first power target P BP1* is selected as the first power setpoint P BP* . This enables a safe power setpoint to be obtained even in the event of a fault. In this way, the two power supply paths V1, V2 can perform voltage control.

[0074] When there is no fault in the second power supply path V2, the second power target P BP2* is selected as the first power setpoint P BP* . This provides a power setpoint that enables an optimal hybrid strategy to be achieved.

[0075] See Figure 7 and Figure 9 , optionally, the selection unit 14 is configured to use the first power target P DC upon detection of a non-quality signal S QUA of the distribution voltage V BP1* . For this purpose, see Figure 7 , the control device 2 includes a distribution monitoring unit 15, which is configured to compare the measured value of the distribution voltage V DC over time with a voltage reference GAB. In a known manner, the voltage reference GAB determines the allowable nominal variation range of the distribution voltage V DC and the abnormal variation range within which the distribution voltage V DC can deviate from the nominal variation range for a maximum allowable duration. If the measured value of the distribution voltage V DC does not conform to the voltage reference GAB, the distribution monitoring unit 15 sends a non-quality signal S QUA to use the first power target P BP1* . Thus, even if a fault of the EDU is not detected, the distribution monitoring unit 15 can activate the emergency target when the distribution voltage V DC degrades. This improves the performance of the control device 2.

[0076] In this example, the selection unit 14 is configured to use the first power target P BP1* or the second power target P BP2* . In fact, the selection unit 14 can also select the second power target P BP1* by saturating the first power target P BP2* in order to reach the second power target P BP2* .

[0077] When the second power target P BP2* is selected as the first power setpoint P BP*When the first adjustment unit 11 implements the anti-integral saturation function to avoid changing the power setpoint P BP1* .

[0078] See Figure 7 , the first control path VC1 further includes a processing unit 12 configured to determine a first parameterized setpoint P of the first converter C1 based on the first power setpoint P BP* . CONS1 .

[0079] According to one aspect, see Figure 8 , the processing unit 12 includes a first module 121 that implements an algorithm for converting the first power setpoint P BP* into two current setpoints I D * / I Q *, taking into account the speed w and angular position θ of the first generator G1 and the measured values of the distribution voltage V DC . Still referring to Figure 8 , the first processing unit 12 further includes a second module 122 that implements a current loop configured to define a first parameterized setpoint P of the first converter C1 based on the measured values of the three-phase currents I in the first converter C1 and the current setpoints I ABC * / I D * from the first module 121 Q . Such a processing unit 12 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here CONS1 .

[0080] See Figure 7 , the control device 2 includes a second control path VC2 for the second power supply path V2, which has units similar to those of the first control path VC1. Therefore, for clarity and conciseness, the specific elements of the second power supply path V2 will not be described in detail

[0081] The second control path VC2 thus includes an adjustment unit 21 configured to determine a first power target P based on the distribution voltage setpoint V DC* and the measured value of the distribution voltage V DC . HP1* .

[0082] The second control path VC2 includes a hybrid power unit 23 configured to determine a second power target P based on the second power generation setpoint P ECU2 . HP2* .

[0083] The second control path VC2 includes a selection unit 24 configured to: · If the second power generation setpoint P ECU2If the voltage command is InsV, then select the first power target P HP1* as the second power setting value P HP* ; · If the second power generation setting value P ECU2 is the power command InsP, then by default select the second power target P HP2* as the second power setting value P HP* , and select the first power target P HP1* as the second power setting value P HP* in the event of a fault in the first power supply path V1, in particular by obtaining the operating state S EDU of the power distribution unit EDU EC1 and the operating state S

[0084] The second control path VC2 includes a processing unit 22, which is configured to determine a second parameterization setting value P HP* for the second converter C2 based on the second power setting value P CONS2 .

[0085] The control device 2 implements decentralized control, in which the second power supply path V2 is autonomously controlled and the second power supply path V2 is adapted to the operating state of the first power supply path V1.

[0086] In this embodiment, similar to the first control path VC1, the second control path VC2 includes the distribution monitoring unit 25.

[0087] This example shows an application related to power generation, but the present invention is more widely applicable to the field of hybrid power, in which the electric machine on the one hand performs a generator function for obtaining mechanical power from the low-pressure shaft BP or the high-pressure shaft HP, and on the other hand performs an engine function for injecting mechanical power into the low-pressure shaft BP or the high-pressure shaft HP. For the engine function, the converters C1, C2 can also convert the DC voltage V DC to supply alternating current to the two electric machines G1, G2 respectively for power injection.

[0088] For the sake of clarity and conciseness, only the power generation function is introduced. For the engine function, the calculation unit ECU provides an injection setting value P ECU to allow determination of, for example, the mechanical power injected on each shaft, etc. The hybrid power system is bidirectional and can both generate electric power and inject mechanical power.

[0089] The present invention has been described for a power generation system 1 including two power supply paths V1, V2, but the present invention is equally applicable in the presence of one or more other power supply paths V3, in particular a battery BAT, as Figure 10As shown, a third distribution current I is supplied to the power distribution unit EDU DC3 . For the sake of brevity, the second power supply path V2 is not shown in this figure.

[0090] See Figure 10 , the power generation system 1 includes a battery BAT electrically connected to the power distribution unit EDU through a third converter C3 (here of the DC / DC type).

[0091] The control device 2 is configured to determine a third parameterized setpoint P of the third converter C3 BAT . To this end, the control device 2 includes a third control path VC3 for determining a third parameterized setpoint P for controlling the third power supply path V3 according to the power generation setpoint P ECU . BAT

[0092] In this embodiment, see Figure 10 , the control module 20 is configured to additionally supply a third power generation setpoint P to the third power supply path V3 based on the general power generation setpoint P ECUG . Preferably, only one power generation setpoint is the voltage command InsV, and the rest are power commands InsP. In this way, the general power generation setpoint P ECU3 allows for the handling of hybrid power with multiple power supply paths V1, V2, V3 by applying power commands InsP to two power supply paths and adapting through voltage control using the last power supply path. ECUG

[0093] According to one aspect, the first control path VC1 is configured to, when the first power generation setpoint P ECU1 is a power command InsP, by default select the second power target P BP2* as the first power setpoint P BP1* , and select the first power target P BP1* as the first power setpoint P BP* in case of a failure in the second power supply path V2 or the third power supply path V3. In this way, failures in all other power supply paths can be monitored.

[0094] Therefore, the control device 2 is extensible and enables the consideration of more than two power sources supplying power to the power distribution unit EDU.

[0095] In Figure 7 the embodiment shown, the control module 20 is schematically shown as independent of the power distribution unit EDU. Alternatively, see Figure 11 ​​, the control module 20 is integrated in the power distribution unit EDU to optimize computing resources. Advantageously, this allows for the formation of a power distribution unit EDU that not only performs its conventional functions but also provides a power generation setpoint without using additional computing resources other than those of the power distribution unit EDU.

[0096] The power generation system 1 includes a decentralized architecture in which each control path VC1, VC2 is similar and can make decisions autonomously based on faults and / or the quality of the distributed voltage V DC . When a fault occurs / clears, the power generation system 1 can be reconfigured in real time.

Claims

1. A power generation system (1) for powering at least one electrical network (REA) of an aircraft, the aircraft including at least one aircraft turbomachine (T), the turbomachine including a low-pressure shaft (BP) and a high-pressure shaft (HP) configured to be driven in rotation, the power generation system (1) being configured to receive a general generation setpoint (P ECUG ) defining a hybrid power strategy, the power generation system (1) including: · The first power supply path (V1), which includes: · A first generator (G1), configured to generate alternating current by obtaining mechanical energy from one of the low-pressure shaft (BP) and the high-pressure shaft (HP), · A first converter (C1) associated with the first generator (G1) for converting the generated alternating current into a first distribution current (I DC1 ) according to its parameterization, the first converter (C1) generating a first power (P DC ) as a function of the distribution voltage (V BP ). · The second power supply path (V2), which includes: · A second generator (G2), configured to generate alternating current by obtaining mechanical energy from the other of the low-pressure shaft (BP) and the high-pressure shaft (HP), · A second converter (C2) associated with the second generator (G2) for converting the generated alternating current into a second distribution current (I DC2 ) according to its parameterization, the second converter (C2) generating a second power (P DC ) as a function of the distribution voltage (V HP ), · A control device (2) configured to determine a first parameterized setpoint (P CONS1 ) of the first converter (C1) and a second parameterized setpoint (P CONS2 ) of the second converter (C2), the control device (2) comprising: · A control module (20), configured to provide a first power generation setpoint (P ECUG ) to the first power supply path (V1) based on the general power generation setpoint (P ECU1 ), and to the second power supply path (V2) Provide a second power generation setpoint ( PECU2 ), one of the first power generation setpoint (P ECU1 ) and the second power generation setpoint (P ECU2 ) is a voltage command (InsV), and the other is a power command (InsP). · A first control path (VC1) for controlling the first power supply path (V1), which includes: · A regulating unit (11), configured to determine a first power target (P DC* ) based on a set value of the allocated voltage (V DC ) and a measured value of the allocated voltage (V BP1* ), · A hybrid power unit (13) configured to determine a second power target (P ECU1 ) based on the first power generation setpoint (P BP2* ). · Selection unit (14), which is configured to regardless of whether the first power generation set value (P ECU1 ) is a power command (InsP), · Default to select the second power target (P BP2* ) as the first power setting value (P BP* ), and · In the case of a failure in the second power supply path (V2), select the first power target (P BP1* ) as the first power setting value (P BP* ). · A processing unit (12), configured to determine a first parameterized setting value (P BP* ) of the first converter (C1) based on the first power setting value (P CONS1 ).

2. The power generation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit (14) is configured to select the first power target (P ECU1 ) as the first power setpoint (P BP1* ) if the first generation setpoint (P BP* ) is a voltage command (InsV).

3. The power generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, including at least one power distribution unit (EDU) powered by the converters (C1, C2) at the distribution voltage (V DC ).

4. The power generation system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the control module (20) belongs to the power distribution unit (EDU).

5. The power generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (2) includes a second control path (VC2) for controlling the second power supply path (V2), the second control path (VC2) including: · Regulation unit (21), configured to determine a first power target (P DC* ) based on a set value of the allocated voltage (V DC ) and a measured value of the allocated voltage (V HP1* ), · A hybrid power unit (23) configured to determine a second power target (P ECU2 ) based on a second power generation setpoint (P HP2* ). · A selection unit (24), configured to: · If the second power generation set value (P ECU2 ) is the voltage command (InsV), then select the first power target (P HP1* ) as the second power set value (P HP* ). · If the second power generation setpoint (P ECU2 ) is the power command (InsP), then the second power target ( PHP2* ) is default selected as the second power setpoint (P HP* ), and when a fault occurs in the first power supply path (V1), the first power target (P HP1* ) is selected as the second power setpoint (P HP* ), · A processing unit (22), configured to determine a second parameterized setting value (P HP* ) of the second converter (C2) based on the second power setting value (P CONS2 ).

6. The power generation system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first control path (VC1) and the second control path (VC2) have similar units.

7. The power generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: · At least one third power supply path (V3) including a third converter (C3), powered by a third power supply (BAT), for generating a third distribution current (I DC3 ) according to its parameterization, the third converter (C3) generating a third power (P DC ) as a function of the distribution voltage (V BAT ). · The control device (2) is configured to determine a third parameterized setpoint (P BAT ) of the third converter (C3), and the control device (2) includes a third control path (VC3) for controlling the third power supply path (V3). · The control module (20) is configured to provide a third power generation set value (P ECUG ) to the third power supply path (V3) based on the general power generation set value (P ECU3 ), where only one power generation set value is a voltage command (InsV), and the rest are power commands (InsP).

8. The power generation system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the selection unit (14) of the first control path (VC1) is configured to: · If the first power generation setpoint (P ECU1 ) is a power command (InsP), then by default select the second power target (P BP2* ) as the first power setpoint (P BP* ), and when a failure occurs in the second power supply path (V2) or the third power supply path (V3), select the first power target (P BP1* ) as the first power setpoint (P BP* ).

9. A power generation method for supplying power from the power generation system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to at least one electrical network (REA) of an aircraft, the aircraft comprising at least one aircraft turbomachine (T), the turbomachine comprising a low-pressure shaft (BP) and a high-pressure shaft (HP) configured to be driven to rotate, the method comprising the following steps: · Receive the general power generation setpoint (P ECUG ) that defines the hybrid power strategy · Based on the general power generation setpoint (P ECUG ), provide a first power generation setpoint (P ECU1 ) to the first power supply path (V1), and provide a second power generation setpoint (P ECU2 ) to the second power supply path (V2), wherein one of the first power generation setpoint (P ECU1 ) and the second power generation setpoint (P ECU2 ) is a voltage command (InsV), and the other is a power command (InsP). · Determine a first power target (P DC* ) according to the set value of the allocated voltage (V DC ) and the measured value of the allocated voltage (V BP1* ). ·Determine a second power target (P ECU1 ) based on the first power generation setpoint (P BP2* ). · By default, select the second power target (P BP2* ) as the first power setting value (P BP* ), and select the first power target (P BP1* ) as the first power setting value (P BP* ) when a fault occurs in the second power supply path (V2). ·Determine a first parameterized setting value (P BP* ) of the first converter (C1) based on the first power setting value (P CONS1 ).

10. A computer program product comprising at least one sequence of instructions stored and readable by a processor, which when read by the processor causes the steps of the method according to claim 9 to be executed.

Citation Information

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