Power supply system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of aero-engines, and discloses a power supply system, which comprises a thermoelectric power generation unit, a power management unit and an energy storage unit, and is characterized in that the thermoelectric power generation unit is used for converting temperature difference energy between each hot end part of an engine and cooling gas into electric energy; the energy storage unit is used for storing electric energy; the power management unit is used for switching power supply modes based on the electric quantity state of the energy storage unit and the power demand of the control system. Waste heat of all mechanical parts of the aero-engine can be converted into electric energy to supply power to a control system of the aero-engine, no mechanical device needs to be additionally arranged to extract shaft power from an engine body, the load of the engine is reduced, and the working efficiency of the engine is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of aero-engines, in particular to a power supply system. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, most of the aero-engine control systems adopt a multi-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Once the power supply system of the FADEC fails, the engine will be out of control. Therefore, in order to avoid the failure of a single power supply, the engine control system needs to adopt a power supply mode of multiple independent power inputs. The power supply redundancy design of the existing control system mostly uses a combination of aircraft direct current power supply and engine direct-drive multi-winding permanent magnet motor phase.

[0003] The "Seebeck effect" refers to the phenomenon that when two different conductors or semiconductors are connected into a closed loop and the temperatures at the two connection points are different, an electromotive force and a current will be generated in the loop. In simple terms, a temperature difference generates a voltage. Thermoelectric power generation is a technology based on the "Seebeck effect" that converts temperature difference energy into electrical energy. A commonly used thermoelectric power generation module is composed of multiple pairs of P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric materials. When heat is conducted through the thermoelectric materials, the charge carriers "holes" in the P-type material and the charge carriers "electrons" in the N-type material will move from the cold end to the hot end, and the temperature difference energy drives the directional movement of the electric charges, which is converted into electrical energy.

[0004] Thermoelectric power generation technology has received widespread attention in the field of exhaust gas recovery of fuel vehicles, but there is still a lack of relevant research in the field of waste heat utilization of aero-engines. Only about 25%-35% of the energy released by the combustion of aviation fuel is utilized by the engine, while the remaining majority of the energy is dissipated in the form of waste heat from the tail nozzle (exhaust temperature up to 800K-1000K), anti-surge / bleed air valve (bleed air temperature about 500K), and engine hot end components (combustion chamber, turbine) wall surface. Therefore, in order to improve the working efficiency and fuel economy of the aero-engine, it is extremely meaningful and necessary to study the utilization of waste heat. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a power supply system to solve the problem of high power supply failure rate caused by excessive dependence on the mechanical shaft power of the existing aero-engine control system.

[0006] This invention provides a power supply system for supplying power to the control system of an aero-engine. The power supply system includes a thermoelectric power generation unit, a power management unit, and an energy storage unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit's input terminal collects the temperature difference energy between the engine's hot-end components and the cooling gas. The output terminal of the thermoelectric power generation unit is connected to the first input terminal of the power management unit, and its communication terminal is connected to the communication terminal of the control system. The thermoelectric power generation unit converts the temperature difference energy into electrical energy. The energy storage unit's input terminal is connected to the first output terminal of the power management unit, and its output terminal is connected to the second input terminal of the power management unit. The energy storage unit stores electrical energy. The second output terminal of the power management unit is connected to the power supply terminal of the control system, and its communication terminal is connected to both the communication terminal of the energy storage unit and the communication terminal of the control system. The power management unit switches the power supply mode based on the energy status of the energy storage unit and the power requirements of the control system.

[0007] The power supply system provided by this invention allows the thermoelectric power generation unit to directly convert waste heat from various hot-end components of the engine into electrical energy. Through efficient energy recovery and utilization, it eliminates the need for additional mechanical devices to extract shaft power from the engine body. This avoids the impact of mechanical failures and the lifespan of rotating parts on the reliability of the power supply system, reduces the risk of control system power supply failure due to mechanical failures, improves engine operating efficiency, and lowers the maintenance frequency and total lifespan maintenance costs of the power supply system. Furthermore, the power management unit in this embodiment can flexibly adjust the power supply strategy by real-time judgment of the energy storage unit's charge status and the control system's power requirements, ensuring uninterrupted and stable power supply to the control system under any operating conditions, thus enhancing the safety margin of aviation flight.

[0008] In one optional implementation, when the engine starts to idle, the power management unit supplies power to the power supply system based on the electrical energy in the energy storage unit; when the engine is running stably, the power management unit supplies power to the power supply system based on the electrical energy output by the thermoelectric generator unit; when the remaining power of the energy storage unit is lower than a preset power threshold, the power management unit charges the energy storage unit based on the electrical energy output by the thermoelectric generator unit.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation unit includes: a plurality of thermoelectric modules connected in series, wherein each thermoelectric module is respectively attached to the surface of a hot end component of the engine, the hot end of each thermoelectric module collects waste heat from the corresponding hot end component, and the cold end of each thermoelectric module collects cooling gas from the engine; the metal ends of two adjacent thermoelectric modules are electrically connected; the other metal end of the first thermoelectric module is grounded, and the other metal end of the tail thermoelectric module is connected to the first input terminal of the power management unit.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, each thermoelectric module comprises: a plurality of groups of PN-type thermoelectric arms, a plurality of first metal connectors, a hot-end ceramic sheet, and a cold-end ceramic sheet, wherein the first ends of adjacent PN-type thermoelectric arms are connected in series by the first metal connectors, each first metal connector is electrically connected, and is arranged in abutment with a first surface of the cold-end ceramic sheet, and the second ends of each PN-type thermoelectric arm are in abutment with a first surface of the hot-end ceramic sheet; a second surface of the hot-end ceramic sheet collects waste heat from a hot-end component of the engine; and a second surface of the cold-end ceramic sheet collects cooling gas from inside the engine.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, each group of PN-type thermoelectric arms comprises: a second metal connector, a P-type semiconductor, and an N-type semiconductor, wherein the first ends of the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor are in abutment with a first surface of the second metal connector, the second end of the P-type semiconductor is connected to the second end of the N-type semiconductor of an adjacent next PN-type thermoelectric arm by the second metal connector; and a second surface of the second metal connector is in abutment with the first surface of the hot-end ceramic sheet.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the number of thermoelectric modules is three, namely a first thermoelectric module, a second thermoelectric module, and a third thermoelectric module, which are connected in series, wherein the other metal end of the first thermoelectric module is connected to ground, the first thermoelectric module is arranged in abutment in a ring shape on the inner wall of an anti-surge valve outlet pipeline of the engine, the hot end of the first thermoelectric module collects high-temperature gas from the anti-surge valve outlet, and the cold end of the first thermoelectric module collects cold air from the internal pipeline of the engine; the second thermoelectric module is arranged in abutment in a ring shape on the outer wall of a combustion chamber case of the engine, the hot end of the second thermoelectric module collects waste heat spilled from the surface of the combustion chamber case, and the cold end of the second thermoelectric module collects cooling gas led out by the compressor of the engine; the other metal end of the third thermoelectric module is connected to a first input end of the power management unit, the third thermoelectric module is arranged in abutment in a ring shape on the inner wall of the pipeline of the outlet of the tail nozzle of the engine, the hot end of the third thermoelectric module collects high-temperature exhaust gas from the tail nozzle, and the cold end of the third thermoelectric module collects cooling gas led out by the compressor of the engine.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the power management unit comprises a controller, a voltage converter and a power switching controller, wherein the input of the controller is connected to the output of the thermoelectric power generation unit and the input of the voltage converter, the output of the controller is connected to the control terminal of the voltage converter, the controller is configured to match the internal resistance of the thermoelectric power generation unit and the voltage converter to output maximum power; the output of the voltage converter is connected to the input of the power switching controller, the voltage converter is configured to adjust the voltage level; the first output of the power switching controller is connected to the power supply terminal of the control system, the second output of the power switching controller is connected to the input of the energy storage unit, the input of the power switching controller is connected to the output of the energy storage unit, the power switching controller is configured to switch the power supply mode based on the state of charge of the energy storage unit and the power demand of the control system.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the voltage converter comprises a boost converter and a wide voltage input converter, wherein the input of the boost converter is connected to the output of the thermoelectric power generation unit, the output of the boost converter is connected to the input of the wide voltage input converter, the boost converter is configured to boost the voltage level of the output of the thermoelectric power generation unit; the output of the wide voltage input converter is connected to the input of the power switching controller, the wide voltage input converter is configured to eliminate the fluctuation of the voltage of the output of the thermoelectric power generation unit.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the energy storage unit comprises a first energy storage unit, a second energy storage unit and a bidirectional voltage converter, wherein the input of the bidirectional voltage converter is connected to the first output of the power management unit, the first output of the bidirectional voltage converter is connected to the second input of the power management unit, the second output of the bidirectional voltage converter is connected to the first terminal of the first energy storage unit and the first terminal of the second energy storage unit, the bidirectional voltage converter is configured to control the bidirectional flow of electrical energy between the first energy storage unit and the power management unit, and control the bidirectional flow of electrical energy between the second energy storage unit and the power management unit; the second terminal of the first energy storage unit is connected to the second terminal of the second energy storage unit and grounded; the first energy storage unit is configured to store or instantaneously release electrical energy greater than a preset current threshold, the second energy storage unit is configured to store or continuously release electrical energy less than or equal to the preset current threshold.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the first energy storage unit comprises an energy storage capacitor and a first switch, wherein the first terminal of the energy storage capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the second energy storage unit and grounded, the second terminal of the energy storage capacitor is connected to the first terminal of the first switch; the second terminal of the first switch is connected to the second output of the bidirectional voltage converter, the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the communication terminal of the power management unit; when the power management unit determines that the power demand of the control system is greater than a preset power threshold, the power management unit controls the first switch to be turned on, so that the energy storage capacitor stores or instantaneously releases electrical energy greater than the preset current threshold.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the second energy storage unit comprises a battery and a second switch, wherein the first end of the battery is connected with the second end of the first energy storage unit and grounded, and the second end of the battery is connected with the first end of the second switch; the second end of the second switch is connected with the second output end of the bidirectional voltage converter, and the control end of the second switch is connected with the communication end of the power management unit; when the power management unit determines that the power demand of the control system is less than or equal to the preset power threshold, the power management unit controls the second switch to be turned on, so that the battery stores or continuously releases the electric energy less than or equal to the preset current threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0019] Figure 1 is the first constituent diagram of the power supply system according to the embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is the constituent diagram of the thermoelectric generator unit according to the embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is the constituent diagram of the thermoelectric module according to the embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 is the constituent diagram of the power management unit according to the embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is the working flowchart of the controller according to the embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 is the constituent diagram of the energy storage unit according to the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor are within the protection scope of the present application.

[0021] It can be understood that before using the technical solutions disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, the type, use range, use scene and the like of the personal information involved in the present application should be informed to the user and the authorization of the user should be obtained through appropriate means according to relevant laws and regulations.

[0022] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of description and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or a specific number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first", "second", etc. can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically limited.

[0023] The power supply of the FADEC of the conventional aero-engine relies on the high-speed rotating mechanical structure containing bearings, gears, etc. The movable parts inherent in the mechanical structure not only become potential failure points, but also are limited by the fatigue life of the material, making the reliability and maintainability of the entire system face serious challenges. In addition, the traditional power supply method must extract power from the engine main shaft to drive the engine, which diverts the core kinetic energy that should be used to generate thrust for power generation, increasing the load of the engine, thereby leading to reduced engine propulsion efficiency and increased fuel consumption.

[0024] To solve the above problems, the embodiment provides a power supply system for supplying power to the control system of an aero-engine, as shown in Figure 1 The power supply system comprises a thermoelectric power generation unit 1, a power management unit 2 and an energy storage unit 3.

[0025] Figure 1 In the embodiment, the input end of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 collects the temperature difference energy between the hot end components of the engine and the cooling gas, the output end of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 is connected with the first input end of the power management unit 2, and the communication end of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 is connected with the communication end of the control system. The thermoelectric power generation unit 1 is used to convert the temperature difference energy on the engine into electrical energy.

[0026] Specifically, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the input end (i.e. the hot end) of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 collects the waste heat of the position (i.e. the hot end component) that generates heat when the engine is working, such as the anti-surge valve, the combustion chamber case and the tail nozzle outlet of the engine, etc. The thermoelectric power generation unit 1 converts the temperature difference energy generated by the waste heat into electrical energy through the thermoelectric effect, and the electrical energy can directly supply power to the control system. The cold end of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 can collect the cooling gas in the engine, and the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 converts the temperature difference energy between the waste heat and the cooling gas into electrical energy.

[0027] Figure 1In some embodiments, the input end of the energy storage unit 3 is connected to the first output end of the power management unit 2, the output end of the energy storage unit 3 is connected to the second input end of the power management unit 2, and the energy storage unit 3 is configured to store electric energy. The second output end of the power management unit 2 is connected to the power supply end of the control system, and the communication end of the power management unit 2 is connected to the communication end of the energy storage unit 3 and the communication end of the control system. The power management unit 2 is configured to switch the power supply mode based on the state of charge of the energy storage unit 3 and the power demand of the control system.

[0028] Specifically, Figure 1 In some embodiments, the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 is input into the power management unit 2 for electric energy level conversion, and the power supply strategy is determined by the power management unit 2. During the process from engine starting to slow running or stable operation, the power demand of the control system is different, and the power management unit 2 detects the state of charge of the energy storage unit 3 and the power demand of the control system in real time, and determines the following power supply modes: (1) When the power management unit 2 determines that the remaining electric quantity of the energy storage unit 3 is lower than or equal to the preset electric quantity, and the power demand of the control system is lower than or equal to the preset power, the power management unit 2 stores the electric energy in the energy storage unit 2, and uses the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 to supply power to the control system.

[0029] (2) When the power management unit 2 determines that the remaining electric quantity of the energy storage unit 3 is higher than the preset electric quantity, and the power demand of the control system is lower than or equal to the preset power, the power management unit 2 controls the electric energy of the energy storage unit 3 to supply power to the control system.

[0030] (3) When the power management unit 2 determines that the remaining electric quantity of the energy storage unit 3 is higher than the preset electric quantity, and the power demand of the control system is higher than the preset power, the power management unit 2 controls the electric energy of the energy storage unit 3 and the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 to jointly supply power to the control system.

[0031] The power supply system provided by the embodiment can directly convert the waste heat of each hot end component of the engine into electric energy, and through efficient energy recycling, it is not necessary to additionally set a mechanical device to extract shaft power from the engine body, thereby avoiding mechanical failure and the influence of the service life of rotating components on the reliability of the power supply system, and reducing the maintenance frequency and the maintenance cost of the whole life cycle of the power supply system. In addition, the power management unit of the embodiment can flexibly adjust the power supply strategy by judging the state of charge of the energy storage unit and the power demand of the control system in real time, thereby ensuring that the control system can be provided with uninterrupted and stable electric power in any working condition, and the safety margin of the aviation flight is improved.

[0032] In some optional embodiments, as shown in Figure 1 Based on the remaining electric quantity of the energy storage unit 3 and the power demand of the control system, the specific power supply mode of the power management unit 2 is as follows: (1) When the engine is starting to idle, the power management unit 2 supplies power to the power supply system based on the electrical energy in the energy storage unit 3.

[0033] Specifically, the engine starting to idle is a state in which the engine switches from static to initial operation, the temperature of the hot end component of the engine is low, the thermoelectric power generation unit cannot establish an effective temperature difference, and therefore the power generation capacity is extremely weak or zero. When the power management unit recognizes this state, it automatically switches to the mode of being powered by the energy storage unit, ensuring that the control system of the engine can obtain uninterrupted and stable power during the critical stage of starting, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of starting.

[0034] (2) When the engine is running stably, the power management unit 2 supplies power to the power supply system based on the electrical energy output by the thermoelectric power generation unit 1.

[0035] Specifically, when the engine enters a stable working state (such as idle or cruising), the hot end component (such as the combustion chamber and the turbine) generates high temperature, the thermoelectric power generation unit collects the waste heat of each mechanical part and stably outputs electrical energy through the thermoelectric effect. At this time, the power management unit switches the power source to the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit based on the working state (i.e. power demand) of the engine control system, without consuming the electrical energy in the energy storage unit, and without extracting power from the main shaft of the engine, thereby maximizing energy efficiency.

[0036] (3) When the remaining electrical energy in the energy storage unit 3 is lower than a preset electrical energy threshold, the power management unit 2 charges the energy storage unit 3 based on the electrical energy output by the thermoelectric power generation unit 1.

[0037] Specifically, after the engine completes the starting task, the electrical energy in the energy storage unit is low, and the power management unit continuously monitors the remaining electrical energy of the energy storage unit. When it is determined that the electrical energy of the energy storage unit is lower than the preset safety threshold, as long as the thermoelectric power generation unit has sufficient power output, the charging process will be automatically started, using the excess electrical energy of the thermoelectric power generation unit to charge the energy storage unit, so that the energy storage unit can serve as a backup power source to cope with the next starting cycle or sudden power demand.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, as shown in Figure 2 The thermoelectric power generation unit 1 includes: a plurality of thermoelectric modules 11 connected in series, wherein each thermoelectric module 11 is arranged on the surface of a hot end component of the engine, the hot end of each thermoelectric module 11 collects the waste heat of the corresponding hot end component, and the cold end of each thermoelectric module 11 collects the cooling gas in the engine; the metal ends of two adjacent thermoelectric modules 11 are electrically connected; the other metal end of the first thermoelectric module 11 is grounded, and the other metal end of the last thermoelectric module 11 is connected with the first input end of the power management unit.

[0039] Exemplarily,Figure 2 The middle contains three thermoelectric modules 11, one end of the first thermoelectric module 11 is grounded, the other end is electrically connected with one end of the second thermoelectric module, one end of the third thermoelectric module 11 is electrically connected with the other end of the second thermoelectric module, and the other end of the third thermoelectric module 11 is connected with the first input end of the power management unit to output electric energy.

[0040] Specifically, Figure 2 In the middle, the thermoelectric module 11 directly collects the waste heat generated by the corresponding hot end component through the hot end, and effectively dissipates heat from the cold end by using the cooling gas circulating inside the engine, so that each thermoelectric module 11 can establish stable temperature difference power generation conditions. The distributed arrangement and centralized output architecture design of the thermoelectric module 11 not only ensures that each module can fully utilize the waste heat resources of different parts of the engine, but also improves the output voltage level through series connection, providing stable and reliable electric energy input (i.e. Vdc) for the subsequent power management unit.

[0041] Specifically, Figure 3 In the middle, each thermoelectric module includes: multiple groups of PN-type thermoelectric arms 114, multiple first metal connectors 113, a hot end ceramic sheet 111, and a cold end ceramic sheet 112. The first ends of adjacent PN-type thermoelectric arms 114 are connected in series through the first metal connectors 113, and each first metal connector 113 is electrically connected and arranged on the first surface of the cold end ceramic sheet 112, achieving overall structural support and heat release through the cold end ceramic sheet 112. The second end of each PN-type thermoelectric arm 114 is attached to the first surface of the hot end ceramic sheet 111. The second surface of the hot end ceramic sheet 111 collects waste heat from a hot end component of the engine by directly contacting the hot end component. The second surface of the cold end ceramic sheet 112 collects cooling gas inside the engine and is exposed to the cooling gas flow to dissipate heat.

[0042] Specifically, Figure 3 In the middle, each group of PN-type thermoelectric arms 114 includes: a second metal connector 1141, a P-type semiconductor 1142, and an N-type semiconductor 1143. The first ends of the P-type semiconductor 1142 and the N-type semiconductor 1143 are attached to the first surface of the second metal connector 1141, and the second end of the P-type semiconductor 1142 is connected to the second end of the N-type semiconductor 1143 of the next PN-type thermoelectric arm through the second metal connector 1141. The second surface of the second metal connector 1141 is attached to the first surface of the hot end ceramic sheet 111. Figure 3 The arrows in the middle represent the direction of the current inside the module.

[0043] Exemplarily, Figure 2three thermoelectric modules, respectively, a first thermoelectric module, a second thermoelectric module and a third thermoelectric module, the first thermoelectric module, the second thermoelectric module and the third thermoelectric module are connected in series, wherein: (1) The other metal end of the first thermoelectric module is grounded, the first thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring shape and is attached to the inner wall of the outlet pipeline of the anti-surge valve of the engine, the hot end of the first thermoelectric module collects high-temperature gas at the outlet of the anti-surge valve, and the cold end of the first thermoelectric module collects cold air in the pipeline inside the engine. The first thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring shape and is closely attached to the inner wall of the outlet pipeline of the anti-surge valve of the engine, the hot end thereof directly faces the inside of the pipeline and collects the heat of the high-temperature gas released when the anti-surge valve is opened, and the cold end thereof is cooled by the cold air in the pipeline inside the engine, thereby fully utilizing the transient high-temperature characteristics of the anti-surge valve during operation to collect energy.

[0044] (2) The second thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring shape and is attached to the outer wall of the combustion chamber case of the engine, the hot end of the second thermoelectric module collects residual heat overflowing from the surface of the combustion chamber case, and the cold end of the second thermoelectric module collects cooling gas led out by the compressor of the engine. The second thermoelectric module is also arranged in a ring shape and is attached to the outer wall surface of the combustion chamber case of the engine, the hot end thereof continuously collects residual heat overflowing from the wall surface of the combustion chamber, and the cold end thereof is effectively cooled by the cooling gas led out by the compressor of the engine, thereby realizing stable recovery of thermal energy in the core region of the engine.

[0045] (3) The other metal end of the third thermoelectric module is connected to the first input end of the power management unit, the third thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring shape and is attached to the inner wall of the pipeline at the outlet of the tail nozzle of the engine, the hot end of the third thermoelectric module collects high-temperature exhaust gas in the tail nozzle, and the cold end of the third thermoelectric module collects cooling gas led out by the compressor of the engine. The third thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring shape and is attached to the inner wall of the pipeline at the outlet of the tail nozzle of the engine, the hot end thereof is directly exposed to the high-temperature gas stream discharged by the engine and collects residual heat of the exhaust gas, and the cold end thereof is also cooled by the cooling gas led out by the compressor. The third thermoelectric module, as the terminal of the thermoelectric power generation unit, is used to superimpose the electric energy generated by itself and the electric energy of the first and second thermoelectric modules and then output Vdc to the power management unit.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, as shown in Figure 4 The power management unit 2 includes a controller 21, a voltage converter 22 and a power switching controller 23.

[0047] Figure 4 In the power management unit 2, the input end of the controller 21 is connected to the output end of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 and the input end of the voltage converter 22, the output end of the controller 21 is connected to the control end of the voltage converter 22, and the controller 21 is used to match the internal resistance of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 and the voltage converter 22, so that the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 outputs maximum power.

[0048] Specifically, Figure 4 The controller 21 in the maximum power point tracking controller (MPPT) as shown in Figure 5 As shown, the reference voltage generating module in the controller 21 obtains the reference voltage Vref by collecting the output voltage V and output current I of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1, combining the power-voltage curve of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1, calculates the difference between Vref and V, adjusts the error signal through the proportional integral control link, compares the obtained value with the carrier, and obtains the gate level of the pulse width modulation wave PWM driving the switch tube in the voltage converter 22. The controller 21 calculates the internal resistance of the thermoelectric power generation unit, adjusts the duty cycle of the output PWM wave to adjust the equivalent resistance of the voltage converter 22, so that the internal resistance of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 and the voltage converter 22 is equal, so that the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 outputs the maximum power.

[0049] Figure 4 In the voltage converter 22, the output end of the voltage converter 22 is connected with the input end of the power supply switching controller 23, and the voltage converter 22 is used for adjusting the voltage level.

[0050] Specifically, Figure 4 In the voltage converter 22, the output end of the voltage converter 22 is connected with the input end of the power supply switching controller 23, and the voltage converter 22 is used for adjusting the voltage level.

[0051] Figure 4 In the voltage converter 22, the output end of the voltage converter 22 is connected with the input end of the power supply switching controller 23, and the voltage converter 22 is used for adjusting the voltage level.

[0052] Specifically, Figure 4In some embodiments, the power switching controller 23 is configured to switch the power supply mode based on the state of charge of the energy storage unit 3 and the power demand of the control system. The power supply mode can be any of the power supply modes described above, and will not be described again here.

[0053] Optionally, the power switching controller supplies power to the control system via a DC bus.

[0054] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the energy storage unit comprises a first energy storage unit 31, a second energy storage unit 32, and a bidirectional voltage converter 33. Figure 6

[0055] Figure 6 In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the input of the bidirectional voltage converter 33 is connected to the first output of the power management unit 2, the first output of the bidirectional voltage converter 33 is connected to the second input of the power management unit 2, and the second output of the bidirectional voltage converter 33 is connected to the first end of the first energy storage unit 31 and the first end of the second energy storage unit 32. The bidirectional voltage converter 33 is configured to control the bi-directional flow of electrical energy between the first energy storage unit 31 and the power management unit 2, and between the second energy storage unit 32 and the power management unit 2.

[0056] In particular, Figure 6 In some embodiments, when the thermoelectric generator 1 generates excess electrical energy, the bidirectional voltage converter 33 acts as a step-down charger to convert the electrical energy from the power management unit 2 into a charging voltage suitable for the first energy storage unit (supercapacitor) and the second energy storage unit, and performs independent charging management respectively. When the control system requires high power, the bidirectional voltage converter 33 acts as a step-up discharger to raise the low voltage of the first energy storage unit 31 or the second energy storage unit 32 to the high voltage required by the power management unit 2 to supply power to the load. The bidirectional voltage converter 33 can determine which energy storage unit to draw power from, or draw power from both at a certain ratio.

[0057] Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second end of the first energy storage unit 31 is connected to the second end of the second energy storage unit 32 and grounded. The first energy storage unit 31 is configured to store or instantaneously release electrical energy greater than a preset current threshold, and the second energy storage unit 32 is configured to store or continuously release electrical energy less than or equal to the preset current threshold.

[0058] In particular, Figure 6 ​In the specific embodiment, the first energy storage unit 31 comprises an energy storage capacitor C1 and a first switch Q1, wherein a first end of the energy storage capacitor C1 is connected to a second end of the second energy storage unit 32 and grounded, a second end of the energy storage capacitor C1 is connected to a first end of the first switch Q1; a second end of the first switch Q1 is connected to a second output end of the bidirectional voltage converter 33, a control end of the first switch Q1 is connected to a communication end of the power management unit 2; when the power management unit 2 determines that the power demand of the control system is greater than the preset power threshold, the power management unit 2 controls the first switch Q1 to be turned on, so that the energy storage capacitor C1 stores or instantaneously releases the electric energy greater than the preset current threshold.

[0059] Specifically, Figure 6 In the specific embodiment, the second energy storage unit 32 comprises a battery E and a second switch Q2, wherein a first end of the battery E is connected to a second end of the first energy storage unit 31 and grounded, a second end of the battery E is connected to a first end of the second switch Q2; a second end of the second switch Q2 is connected to a second output end of the bidirectional voltage converter 33, a control end of the second switch Q2 is connected to a communication end of the power management unit 2; when the power management unit 2 determines that the power demand of the control system is less than or equal to the preset power threshold, the power management unit 2 controls the second switch Q2 to be turned on, so that the battery E stores or continuously releases the electric energy less than or equal to the preset current threshold.

[0060] It should be noted that the energy storage capacitor is a super capacitor, which can cope with the discharge working condition of sudden transient large current, and provide transient large current power supply to support the burst load; the battery can backup and store the electric energy supplied by the power management unit, and provide continuous small current power supply.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present application are described in conjunction with the drawings, various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and such modifications and changes fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power supply system, characterized in that, This system is used to supply power to the control system of an aircraft engine. The power supply system includes: a thermoelectric power generation unit, a power management unit, and an energy storage unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit collects the temperature difference energy between each hot-end component of the engine and the cooling gas at its input end. The output end of the thermoelectric power generation unit is connected to the first input end of the power management unit. The communication end of the thermoelectric power generation unit is connected to the communication end of the control system. The thermoelectric power generation unit is used to convert the temperature difference energy into electrical energy. The input terminal of the energy storage unit is connected to the first output terminal of the power management unit, and the output terminal of the energy storage unit is connected to the second input terminal of the power management unit. The energy storage unit is used to store the electrical energy. The second output terminal of the power management unit is connected to the power supply terminal of the control system, and the communication terminal of the power management unit is connected to the communication terminal of the energy storage unit and the communication terminal of the control system. The power management unit is used to switch the power supply mode based on the power status of the energy storage unit and the power demand of the control system.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the engine starts and reaches idle speed, the power management unit supplies power to the power supply system based on the electrical energy in the energy storage unit; Once the engine is running stably, the power management unit supplies power to the power supply system based on the electrical energy output by the thermoelectric power generation unit; When the remaining power of the energy storage unit is lower than a preset power threshold, the power management unit charges the energy storage unit based on the electrical energy output by the thermoelectric power generation unit.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermoelectric power generation unit includes: multiple thermoelectric modules connected in series, wherein... Each of the thermoelectric modules is respectively attached to the surface of a hot end component of the engine. The hot end of each thermoelectric module collects the waste heat of the corresponding hot end component, and the cold end of each thermoelectric module collects the cooling gas inside the engine. The metal ends of two adjacent thermoelectric modules are electrically connected; The other metal terminal of the thermoelectric module at the first end is grounded, and the other metal terminal of the thermoelectric module at the tail end is connected to the first input terminal of the power management unit.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the thermoelectric modules includes: multiple sets of PN-type thermoelectric arms, multiple first metal connectors, a hot-end ceramic plate, and a cold-end ceramic plate, wherein... The first ends of adjacent PN-type thermoelectric arms are connected in series by a first metal connector. Each of the first metal connectors is electrically connected and is attached to the first surface of the cold end ceramic plate. The second end of each PN-type thermoelectric arm is attached to the first surface of the hot end ceramic plate. The second surface of the hot-end ceramic plate collects waste heat from a hot-end component of the engine; The second surface of the cold-end ceramic plate collects the cooling gas inside the engine.

5. The power supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the PN-type thermoelectric arms includes: a second metal connector, a P-type semiconductor, and an N-type semiconductor, wherein... The first ends of both the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor are attached to the first surface of the second metal connector, and the second end of the P-type semiconductor is connected to the second end of the N-type semiconductor of the next adjacent PN-type thermoelectric arm through the second metal connector. The second surface of the first metal connector is bonded to the first surface of the hot-end ceramic sheet.

6. The power supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The thermoelectric modules consist of three components: a first thermoelectric module, a second thermoelectric module, and a third thermoelectric module. These three modules are connected in series. The other metal end of the first thermoelectric module is grounded. The first thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring and attached to the inner wall of the anti-surge valve outlet pipe of the engine. The hot end of the first thermoelectric module collects the high-temperature gas from the anti-surge valve outlet, and the cold end of the first thermoelectric module collects the cold air from the internal pipe of the engine. The second thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring and attached to the outer wall of the combustion chamber casing of the engine. The hot end of the second thermoelectric module collects the waste heat overflowing from the surface of the combustion chamber casing, and the cold end of the second thermoelectric module collects the cooling gas drawn out from the compressor of the engine. The other metal end of the third thermoelectric module is connected to the first input end of the power management unit. The third thermoelectric module is arranged in a ring-shaped manner on the inner wall of the pipe at the outlet of the engine's tail nozzle. The hot end of the third thermoelectric module collects the high-temperature exhaust gas in the tail nozzle, and the cold end of the third thermoelectric module collects the cooling gas drawn out by the engine's compressor.

7. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power management unit includes: a controller, a voltage converter, and a power switching controller, wherein... The input terminal of the controller is connected to the output terminal of the thermoelectric power generation unit and the input terminal of the voltage converter, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the control terminal of the voltage converter. The controller is used to match the internal resistance of the thermoelectric power generation unit and the voltage converter so that the thermoelectric power generation unit outputs maximum power. The output terminal of the voltage converter is connected to the input terminal of the power switching controller, and the voltage converter is used to adjust the voltage level; The first output terminal of the power switching controller is connected to the power supply terminal of the control system, the second output terminal of the power switching controller is connected to the input terminal of the energy storage unit, and the input terminal of the power switching controller is connected to the output terminal of the energy storage unit. The power switching controller is used to switch the power supply mode based on the power status of the energy storage unit and the power demand of the control system.

8. The power supply system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The voltage converter includes: a boost converter and a wide voltage input converter, wherein... The input terminal of the boost converter is connected to the output terminal of the thermoelectric power generation unit, and the output terminal of the boost converter is connected to the input terminal of the wide voltage input converter. The boost converter is used to increase the voltage level output by the thermoelectric power generation unit. The output of the wide voltage input converter is connected to the input of the power switching controller. The wide voltage input converter is used to eliminate voltage fluctuations in the output of the thermoelectric power generation unit.

9. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage unit includes: a first energy storage unit, a second energy storage unit, and a bidirectional voltage converter, wherein, The input terminal of the bidirectional voltage converter is connected to the first output terminal of the power management unit, the first output terminal of the bidirectional voltage converter is connected to the second input terminal of the power management unit, and the second output terminal of the bidirectional voltage converter is connected to the first terminal of the first energy storage unit and the first terminal of the second energy storage unit. The bidirectional voltage converter is used to control the bidirectional flow of electrical energy between the first energy storage unit and the power management unit, and to control the bidirectional flow of electrical energy between the second energy storage unit and the power management unit. The second end of the first energy storage unit is connected to the second end of the second energy storage unit and grounded; The first energy storage unit is used to store or instantaneously release electrical energy greater than a preset current threshold, and the second energy storage unit is used to store or continuously release electrical energy less than or equal to the preset current threshold.

10. The power supply system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first energy storage unit includes an energy storage capacitor and a first switch, wherein, The first end of the energy storage capacitor is connected to the second end of the second energy storage unit and grounded, and the second end of the energy storage capacitor is connected to the first end of the first switch; The second terminal of the first switch is connected to the second output terminal of the bidirectional voltage converter, and the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the communication terminal of the power management unit. When the power management unit determines that the power demand of the control system is greater than a preset power threshold, the power management unit controls the first switch to turn on, so that the energy storage capacitor stores or instantaneously releases electrical energy greater than the preset current threshold.

11. The power supply system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second energy storage unit includes a battery and a second switch, wherein, The first terminal of the battery is connected to the second terminal of the first energy storage unit and grounded, and the second terminal of the battery is connected to the first terminal of the second switch; The second terminal of the second switch is connected to the second output terminal of the bidirectional voltage converter, and the control terminal of the second switch is connected to the communication terminal of the power management unit. When the power management unit determines that the power demand of the control system is less than or equal to a preset power threshold, the power management unit controls the second switch to be turned on, so that the battery stores or continuously releases electrical energy less than or equal to a preset current threshold.

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