Providing energy in an aircraft using droop control

Abstract

The device (100) includes: - a DC bus (116) connected to at least one electrical load (120A, 120B); - a plurality of power sources (110) connected to the DC bus (116), including turbomachinery power sources (110BP, 110HP, 110APU); - a local controller (124) for each power source (110), designed to control the associated power source (110) by implementing droop control using a droop gain associated with the associated power source (110); - and a central controller (124). 2); Each local controller (124) is designed to implement a dead zone with a variable height (H) according to instructions received from the central controller (122); and the central controller (122) is used to perform the following controls: • selectively control any local controller (110), including the local controller of the turbomachinery power source (110BP, 110HP, 110APU), to make its dead zone have a non-zero height, and • control at least one other local controller (110) to make its dead zone have a different height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy supply device for an aircraft and an aircraft including such a device. Background Technology

[0002] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. Indeed, states have already implemented, are implementing, or will implement various restrictions on carbon emissions. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new and currently in-service aircraft, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to bring them into compliance with existing regulations. For several years, the civil aviation industry has been working to help address climate change.

[0003] Technological research has led to significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. The applicant has considered relevant factors at all stages of design and development to produce more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft components and products with moderate environmental impact for integration and use in civil aviation, with the aim of improving aircraft energy efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, the applicant has been committed to reducing its climate impact by adopting environmentally friendly methods and utilizing development and manufacturing processes, and to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, in order to reduce the environmental impact of its business operations.

[0005] This ongoing research and development work involves next-generation aircraft engines, aircraft lightweighting, particularly through the use of materials and lighter airborne equipment, the development of electrical technologies for propulsion, and aviation biofuels as a necessary complement to technological advancements.

[0006] It is well known that an energy supply device is provided in an aircraft, which includes a DC bus to which at least one electrical load is connected. To supply power to the bus, multiple power sources are connected in parallel; these power sources include, for example, propulsion turbines, non-propulsion auxiliary turbines, and batteries.

[0007] However, the available power sources vary depending on the phase of flight. For example, the primary power source configuration encountered during normal flight is as follows: When the aircraft is on the ground and the auxiliary turbines are starting, the battery is the only available power source. During taxiing and when the main propulsion turbines are starting, the auxiliary turbines are also available and given priority, while the battery remains in standby mode. During other phases of flight (takeoff, cruise, and landing), the power sources associated with the propulsion turbines for controlling the bus voltage should be given priority. The battery and auxiliary turbines then serve as backups.

[0008] To control the bus voltage without communication between power sources, a common practice is to implement droop regulation, which causes each power source to supply current proportional to the voltage drop based on the droop gain.

[0009] Typically, the voltage drop used in droop regulation is the voltage drop across the busbar relative to the maximum voltage. When there is no electrical load on the busbar, this voltage drop is zero. Once an electrical load draws power, the busbar voltage drops below the maximum voltage. Therefore, in practice, the busbar voltage varies depending on the electrical load.

[0010] In cases where the power source consists of a battery and a propulsion turbine, it is also known to incorporate a dead zone into the battery's droop regulation. The dead zone consists of a predefined voltage drop threshold below which the current setpoint supplied by the battery is set to zero. In other words, the battery will not be activated as long as the voltage drop is small, close to zero. The purpose of the dead zone is to prevent the battery from undergoing charge / discharge cycles. By implementing this battery dead zone, the battery will be activated after the power supply associated with the propulsion turbine is applied, i.e., when the voltage drop exceeds the preset threshold.

[0011] Therefore, a mechanism is needed to prioritize available sources so that priorities can be dynamically reconfigured as needed, especially in response to changes in available sources. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, a power supply device for aircraft is proposed, comprising: - A DC bus, to which at least one electrical load is connected; - Multiple power sources connected to the DC bus, including turbine power sources; - A local controller for each power source, designed to control the associated power source via droop control based on the droop gain associated with the power source; and - Central controller; Its features are: - Each local controller is designed to implement a dead zone with a variable height, which can be zero, based on commands received from the central controller; and -The central controller is designed to: • Selectively control any one of the local controllers in the local controllers, including the local controller of the turbine's power source, such that its dead zone has a non-zero height, and • At least one other local controller, such that its dead zone has a different height.

[0013] The energy supply device according to the invention may also include one or more of the following optional features in any technically feasible combination.

[0014] Optionally, the power source includes: a power source referred to as a low-pressure power source, which is designed to draw mechanical power from the low-pressure section of the propulsion turbine; and / or a power source referred to as a high-pressure power source, which is designed to draw mechanical power from the high-pressure section of the propulsion turbine; and / or a power source referred to as an auxiliary power source, which is designed to draw mechanical power from a non-propulsion turbine; and / or a power storage source including an energy storage device (such as a battery).

[0015] Optionally, the central controller is also configured such that the dead zone height of at least one source is zero.

[0016] Optionally, each local controller is also designed such that when the voltage drop on the DC bus relative to the maximum bus voltage exceeds the height of the dead zone, it implements a region called the linear region, in which the power source supplies current that increases with the voltage drop, and the central controller is configured to limit the height of the dead zone such that the linear regions of the power sources are adjacent and / or overlap.

[0017] Optionally, the central controller is also configured to send a priority number to each local controller, and each local controller is arranged to calculate the dead zone height based on the received priority number.

[0018] Optionally, each local controller is also designed to calculate the dead zone height using the following formula based on the received priority number: H = p·ΔV, where H is the dead zone height, p is the received priority number, and ΔV is a predefined step size, preferably the same for all local controllers.

[0019] Optionally, the central controller is also designed to provide each local controller with a correction calculated based on the deviation between the DC bus voltage and the reference voltage in order to seek to offset the deviation, and each local controller is arranged to apply the correction to the voltage drop across the DC bus in order to calculate the correction voltage drop for droop regulation.

[0020] Optionally, the DC bus is divided into a first section and a second section, and the device further includes: - A contactor used to selectively connect and disconnect two sections of a DC bus; and - A device for measuring the voltage across the second section of a DC bus; The central controller is designed to calculate the correction of the local controller of each power source connected to the second section of the DC bus based on the measured voltage of the second section of the DC bus when the contactor is disconnected.

[0021] Optionally, the central controller is also configured not to send any correction signals to the local controllers of each power source connected to the first section of the DC bus when the contactor is disconnected.

[0022] Optionally, the device further includes: - A device for measuring the voltage across the first section of a DC bus; The central controller is designed to calculate the correction of the local controller of each power source connected to the first section of the DC bus based on the measured voltage of the first section of the DC bus when the contactor is disconnected.

[0023] An aircraft including the device according to the invention is also proposed. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 This is a simplified view of an energy supply device for an aircraft according to the present invention; - Figure 2 Two graphs are shown illustrating how the supplied current changes according to the bus voltage and the bus voltage drop, respectively. - Figure 3 This shows how the dead zone height changes based on the received priority number; - Figure 4 The current-bus voltage characteristics of the bus are shown in an initial example where multiple power sources are prioritized. - Figure 5 The current is shown as a function of the DC bus voltage in a second example where power sources are prioritized; - Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a local controller for a power source; - Figure 7 based on Figure 1 An additional component was added to regulate the bus voltage to the reference voltage; - Figure 8 It shows the use of Figure 7 The device shown has a central controller and two local controllers; - Figure 9 yes Figure 5 The repetition occurs, in which bus voltage regulation is enabled; - Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The repetition, in which bus voltage regulation is enabled; and - Figure 11 It shows Figure 7The device shown has a central controller and two local controllers, wherein two sections of the DC bus are disconnected from each other. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figure 1 An example of an energy supply device 100 for an aircraft will now be described.

[0026] The device 100 first includes a propulsion turbine 102, which includes a fan 104 and a low-pressure (BP) section 106 for driving the fan 104. BP and high voltage (HP) section 106 HP .

[0027] The device 100 also includes a non-propulsion turbine 108 (referred to as an “auxiliary power unit”, also known as the abbreviation APU).

[0028] The device 100 also includes multiple power sources 110.

[0029] These power sources 110 particularly include at least one turbine power source 110 BP 110 HP 110 APU That is, a power source designed to draw mechanical power from a turbine (such as a propulsion turbine 102 or a non-propulsion turbine 108) to provide electricity.

[0030] For example, power source 110 includes what is referred to as low-voltage power source 110. BP The source, which is designed to be derived from the low-pressure section 106 of the propulsion turbine 102. BP It draws mechanical power. Similarly, for example, power source 110 includes what is referred to as high-voltage power source 110. HP The power source is designed to draw mechanical power from section HP 106 of the propulsion turbine 102. Similarly, for example, power source 110 includes what is referred to as auxiliary power unit 110. APU The power unit is designed to draw mechanical power from the non-propulsion turbine 108. For example, each power source 110 BP 110 HP 110 APU Including motor 112 BP 112 HP 112 APU Following that is the AC-DC voltage converter 114 BP 114 HP Or 114 APU .

[0031] The power source 110 also includes, for example, a power storage source 110. BATAt least one source, the power storage source including energy storage device 112 BAT For example, batteries, and DC-DC voltage converter 114 BAT .

[0032] All power sources 110 can be bidirectional.

[0033] The device 100 also includes a DC bus 116, to which a power source 110 is connected in parallel to supply power. For example, the DC bus 116 includes two sections 116A and 116B and a contactor 118 designed to connect these two sections 116A and 116B to each other. For example, this is used to propel a turbine 110. BP 110 HP Multiple power sources are connected in parallel to the first section 116A, instead of the propulsion turbine 110. APU 110 power sources and / or power storage sources BAT It is connected in parallel to the second section 116B.

[0034] The device 100 includes at least one electrical load 120A, 120B connected to, and powered by, a DC bus 116. For example, electrical load 120A is connected to a first section 116A of the DC bus 116, and electrical load 120B is connected to a second section 116B of the DC bus 116. Each load 116A and 116B corresponds, for example, to one or more electrical devices on an aircraft.

[0035] The device 100 also includes a controller referred to as a central controller 122, and a controller referred to as a local controller 124 for each power source 110. In the example shown, the device 100 thus includes controllers for each power source 110. BP 110 HP 110 BAT and 110 APU Local controller 124 BP 124 HP 124 BAT and 124 APU The term "controller" is a functional term that does not predetermine the actual implementation. Each controller 122, 124 can be implemented on one or more dedicated computers. Conversely, a single computer can implement multiple controllers 122, 124.

[0036] Each local controller 124 is designed to control the associated power source 110 by implementing droop control based on the droop gain associated with the power source 110.

[0037] Generally speaking, droop control involves enabling the DC bus 116 to maintain a voltage at maximum U.最大 and minimum voltage U 最小 The bus voltage U varies slightly between these values, such that the power supplied by each power source 110 depends on the bus voltage U. Maximum voltage U 最大 This corresponds to the bus voltage when there is no load.

[0038] Therefore, the bus voltage U is used to couple the power sources 110 to each other without requiring communication between them. More specifically, each power source 110 is regulated to supply power depending on the bus voltage drop ΔU (equal to U...). 最大 The current I of the power source 110 is -U). In this way, the regulation of the power sources 110 can be performed independently of each other, while remaining coupled via the bus voltage U, so that they reach an equilibrium point together. For example, each local controller 124 is designed to regulate the current supplied by the associated power source 110 such that the supplied current follows a reference current calculated based on the voltage drop ΔU.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 This allows for droop adjustment with a dead time ZM. The dead time corresponds to the period extending to the maximum voltage U. 最大 The following bus voltage range U starts from the maximum voltage value. When the bus voltage U falls within this voltage range that defines the dead zone ZM of the associated power source 110, the power source 110 is deactivated, that is, in the case of a bidirectional power source, no current I is supplied to the DC bus 116, nor is any current drawn from it.

[0040] Therefore, the dead zone ZM has a height H that defines the associated voltage range. Thus, the dead zone ZM is within the range of bus voltage U [U... 最大 -H;U 最大 [Extends upwards.]

[0041] When the voltage drop ΔU is less than or equal to the height H of the dead zone ZM of the associated power source 110, the local controller 124, for example, by adjusting the current setpoint I... The power source 110 is controlled to zero, so that it does not exchange current I with the DC bus 116. At this time, the power source 110 is in its dead zone ZM.

[0042] When the voltage drop ΔU exceeds the height H of the dead zone ZM, the local controller 124, for example, by adjusting the current setpoint I... The power source 110 is configured to supply a current I that increases with the voltage drop ΔU as the voltage drop ΔU increases. At this time, the power source 110 is in a region referred to as the linear region PR. For example, the current I (or, where applicable, the current setpoint I) is... According to the droop coefficient K (also known as droop gain), it increases linearly with the voltage drop ΔU.

[0043] Typically, the current I supplied by each power source 110 (or, if applicable, the current setpoint I) (Limited to maximum current I) 最大 The maximum current I 最大 At the maximum voltage drop ΔU 最大 This is achieved at the specified point. Therefore, when the voltage drop ΔU exceeds the maximum voltage drop ΔU... 最大 At that time, the supplied current is limited to the maximum current I. 最大 At this time, power source 110 is in the operating region known as the saturation region ZS.

[0044] Therefore, each local controller 124 is designed to implement a dead zone ZM, which has an altitude H defined according to settings received from the central controller 122. This altitude H can be zero, in which case it is equivalent to not applying a dead zone ZM to the associated power source 110. Thus, the central controller 122 is able to determine the altitude H of the dead zone ZM for all power sources 110. For example, the central controller 122 is designed to change the altitude H of the dead zone ZM over time, for example, depending on the flight phase and / or the available power sources 110. The central controller 122 is also designed to transmit to each local controller 124 a definition of the dead zone altitude H that must be applied to that local controller 124.

[0045] For example, the central controller 122 is designed to directly send the required height H or dead zone ZM end bus voltage, i.e., U, to each local controller 110. 最大 -H, where each local controller 124 knows the maximum voltage U 最大 .

[0046] Alternatively and preferably, the central controller 122 is designed to send a priority number p to each local controller 124, and each local controller 124 is designed to calculate the height H of its dead zone ZM based on the priority number p.

[0047] In the latter case, refer to Figure 3 Each local controller 124 is designed to calculate the height H of the dead zone ZM of the associated power source 110 based on the received priority number, for example using the following formula: H = p·ΔV, where p is the received priority number and ΔV is a predefined increment, preferably the same for all local controllers 124. Therefore, a priority of zero results in a zero height H, and thus no dead zone ZM. Therefore, the height H of the dead zone ZM increases with increasing priority.

[0048] refer to Figure 4The central controller 122 is designed to set priorities for the power sources 110 relative to each other, such that the power source 110 with the highest priority is activated first. The central controller 122 achieves this priority setting by instructing the local controller 124 to ensure that the height H of the dead zone ZM increases in priority order. In the example using a priority number p, this is achieved by configuring the central controller 122 to send one of a predefined priority number to the local controller 124 for each power source 110.

[0049] Preferably, the central controller 122 is designed such that at any given time, the altitude H of the dead zone ZM of at least one source is zero. The source with a dead zone ZM altitude H of zero can vary over time, for example, depending on the flight phase.

[0050] More preferably, the central controller 122 is designed such that the linear regions ZC of the power source 110 are adjacent and / or overlap, but never separate. In other words: (U 最大 -H) 源1 ≥(ΔU 最大 ) 源2 This prevents voltage drop intervals from occurring, where no power source 110 will be in its linear region ZC; that is, each power source 110 will be in its dead region ZM or its saturation region ZS. For example, the linear region ZC extends over the same voltage drop ΔU, which depends on the droop factor K and the maximum current setpoint I of the associated source. 最大 .

[0051] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, power source 110 is activated first. HP Then, once power source 110 HP If the saturation region ZS has been reached, add a power source 110. BP Then, once the power source 110 BP If the region is in its saturation region ZS, then add a power source 110. APU And then, once the power source 110 APU If it is in its saturation region, add power source 110. BAT .

[0052] refer to Figure 5 The priority order is as follows: 110 APU 110 HP 110 BP 110 BAT .

[0053] refer to Figure 6 An embodiment of the local controller 124 will now be described.

[0054] The local controller 124 includes a comparator block 602, which is designed to compare the (measured) bus voltage U with the maximum bus voltage Umax. 最大 Compare them to obtain the voltage drop ΔU=U 最大 -U.

[0055] The local controller 124 also includes a block 604 for implementing the dead time ZM. Block 604 is designed to provide zero output until the voltage drop ΔU has exceeded the height H of the dead time ZM, as defined by a command received from the central controller 122; for example, as defined by the received priority number p. The output is given, for example, by the following formula: max(0, ΔU - P·ΔV).

[0056] The local controller 124 also includes a method for calculating the current setpoint I by multiplying the output of block 604 by a droop factor K. Block 606, where I = K·max(0,ΔU-P·ΔV).

[0057] The control module 124 also includes a comparator block 608 for comparing the supplied current I (measured) with the current setpoint I. A comparison is made to generate a current error ΔI = I. -I.

[0058] The control module 124 also includes a command generation block 610 (e.g., for pulse width modulation commands) for the associated power source 110, and in particular for the voltage converter 114 of the associated power source 110, based on the current error ΔI.

[0059] As mentioned above, the voltage U of DC bus 116 varies with time, depending on the electrical load connected to it. However, some devices require the voltage U of DC bus 116 to be stable. Therefore, it is generally desirable for the bus voltage U to remain equal to the voltage at point U. 最大 and U 最小 The reference voltage U between ref For example, it equals the midpoint of the interval: U ref =(U 最大 -U 最小 ) / 2. Or, the reference voltage U ref It can be set to U 最大 or U 最小 To achieve this, the bus voltage U can be adjusted to the reference voltage U. ref The mechanism is as follows. This mechanism will now be described.

[0060] refer to Figure 7The electrical device 100 also includes a device 702A for measuring the voltage UA across the first section 116A of the DC bus 116. The voltage measurement is provided, for example, to each power source 110 connected to the first section 116 of the DC bus 116 (power source 110 in the illustrated example). HP and 110 BP The local controller 124 and the central controller 122.

[0061] Electrical installation 100 also includes a device 702B for measuring the voltage UB across the second section 116B of the DC bus 116. The voltage measurement is provided, for example, to each power source 110 connected to the second section 116B of the DC bus 116 (power source 110 in the illustrated example). BAT and 110 APU The local controller 124 and the central controller 122 are used. For simplicity, the voltage measurement value is represented by the same reference numerals as the voltage being measured.

[0062] When contactor 118 is closed, DC bus 116 has essentially a single voltage U, which is essentially equal to voltages UA and UB. Conversely, when contactor 118 is open, voltages UA and UB may be different.

[0063] For each power source 110, the electrical device 100 also includes means for measuring the current supplied by that power source 110 to the DC bus 116. Specifically, the current measurement is provided to the local controller 124 of the relevant power source 110. For simplicity, the current and its measurement are labeled with the same reference numerals in the drawings. Thus, for power source 110... BP 110 HP 110 BAT and 110 APU These devices and current measurement results are designated as 704. BP 704 HP 704 BAT 704 APU and I BP I HP I BAT and I APU .

[0064] refer to Figure 8 When contactor 118 is closed, the two sections 116A and 116B of DC bus 116 are connected to each other, so their voltages UA and UB are substantially equal. Therefore, central controller 122 can control all local controllers 124A and 124B as a whole. For this purpose, central controller 122 includes, for example, the following block that is activated when contactor 118 is closed.

[0065] The central controller 122 first includes a block 802, which is designed to calculate the voltage U of the DC bus 116 based on one or both of the measured voltages UA and UB. For example, voltage U is considered to be equal to one of voltages UA and UB, the other of which is not used in the calculation of voltage U. Alternatively, voltage U is considered to be equal to the average of voltages UA and UB, for example, U = (UA + UB) / 2.

[0066] The central controller 122 also includes a comparator block 804, which is designed to compare the voltage U with a reference voltage U0. ref Compare and calculate the bus voltage U with the reference voltage U. ref Deviation δU: δU = U ref -U.

[0067] The central controller 122 also includes a corrector 806, which is designed to calculate a correction δ based on the deviation δU in order to seek to offset the deviation, i.e., to align the bus voltage U with the reference voltage U. ref Convergence. The corrector 806 has zero droop error. An example is a proportional-integral controller. The corrector 806 is also designed to transmit the correction δ to all local controllers 124A, 124B.

[0068] To prioritize power sources 110, the central controller 122 includes, for example, block 807, which provides each local controller 124A, 124B with a dead-zone height limit to be implemented by the local controller 124. As previously described, this limit refers, for example, to priority numbers pA and pB of the power sources 110 connected to the first bus segment 116A and the second bus segment 116B, respectively.

[0069] Each local controller 124A, 124B is similar to Figure 6 As shown, the difference is that comparator block 602 is designed to compare the voltage measurement value UA or UB with the maximum bus voltage U, respectively. 最大 The comparison is performed, and correction is then made using the correction δ received from the central computer 122. Therefore, comparator block 602 calculates the correction voltage drop ΔUA' (or ΔUB'): ΔUA' = ΔUA + δ = U 最大 -UA+δ(or ΔUB'=ΔUB+δ=U 最大 -UB+δ). When voltages UA and UB are approximately equal, voltage drops ΔUA and ΔUB are approximately equal to each other, and approximately equal to the total voltage drop across the ΔU bus: ΔUA = ΔUB = ΔU. The corrected voltage drops ΔUA' and ΔUB' are also approximately equal: ΔUA' = ΔUB' = ΔU'.

[0070] refer to Figure 9 and 10When the correction δ is applied by the corrector 602, the deviation δU is canceled out, making the bus voltage U equal to the reference voltage U. ref Therefore, each local controller 124 "sees" the voltage drop ΔU' (ΔU' = ΔU + δ) that has been corrected by the correction δ, instead of the actual voltage drop ΔU. This allows each local controller 124 to control its associated source 110 using the same current setpoint as without the correction δ, while the bus voltage U remains at the reference voltage U. ref In practice, droop control is equivalent to a proportional controller that exhibits a non-zero droop error in response to a unit step. Therefore, the droop error introduced by the droop regulation of voltage U can be offset by correcting δ.

[0071] refer to Figure 11 When contactor 118 is disconnected, the two sections 116A and 116B of DC bus 116 are no longer connected to each other, and therefore can have different voltages UA and UB. Therefore, the central controller 122 must distinguish between the two sections 116A and 116B of DC bus 116. The devices most sensitive to the DC bus voltage are those connected to the second section 116B of DC bus 116, and the central controller 122 is designed to regulate at least voltage UB. Since the controller 122 is designed to regulate the two sections 116A and 116B of bus 116, the central controller 122 is designed to control the two sections 116A and 116B of bus 116 separately. In other words, the central controller 122 includes two control units: a central controller 122A for section 116A of bus 116 and a central controller 122B for section 116B of bus 116.

[0072] For this purpose, the central controller 122B includes, for example, as described below. Figure 11 The block shown is activated when contactor 118 is disconnected.

[0073] Therefore, the central controller 122B includes a comparator block 1102, which is designed to compare the voltage measurement value UB with the voltage U. ref B is compared to calculate the voltage UB of the second section 116B of DC bus 116 relative to the reference voltage U. ref The deviation of B, δUB, for example: δUB = U ref B-UB.

[0074] The central controller 122B also includes a corrector 1104, which is designed to calculate a correction δB based on the deviation δUB to compensate for the deviation. The corrector 1104 has zero droop error. An example is a proportional-integral controller. The corrector 1104 is also designed to transmit the correction δB to all local controllers 124B of the power source 110, which is connected to the second part 116B of the DC bus 116.

[0075] The central controller 122B also includes a power source 110B priority block 807B, similar to the block 807 mentioned above.

[0076] For example, Figure 8 Boxes 804 and 806 in the code can be reused to implement blocks 1102 and 1104.

[0077] The devices connected to the first section 116A of the DC bus 116 are generally not very sensitive to voltage variations, thus allowing the voltage UA to deviate from the reference voltage U in response to droop regulation implemented in the local controller 124A. ref In this configuration, when contactor 118 is disconnected, central controller 122 is designed not to send any corrections to local controllers 124A of each power source 110 connected to the first section 116A of DC bus 116, such that this or these local controllers 124A do not use any corrections when calculating the voltage drop ΔUA' for droop regulation.

[0078] Alternatively, the voltage UA can be regulated, in which case the central controller 122A includes blocks, for example, described below, which are activated when the contactor 118 is disconnected.

[0079] Therefore, the central controller 122A includes a comparator block 1106, which is designed to compare the voltage measurement UA with a reference voltage U. ref A is compared to calculate the voltage UA of the first section 116A of DC bus 116 relative to the reference voltage U. ref The deviation of A, δUA, for example: δUA = U ref A-UA.

[0080] The central controller 122 also includes a corrector 1108, which is designed to calculate a correction δA based on the deviation δUA to compensate for the deviation. The corrector 1108 has zero droop error. An example is a proportional-integral controller. The corrector 1108 is also designed to transmit the correction δA to all local controllers 124A of the power source 110 connected to the first section 116A of the DC bus 116.

[0081] The central controller 122B also includes a power source priority block 807A for the power source 110A, similar to the block 807 described above.

[0082] In summary, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In fact, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments based on the teachings just disclosed.

[0083] In particular, the functional division between the central controller and local controllers described in the foregoing specification and claims does not predetermine the specific manner in which these functions are implemented. For example, the central controller may be implemented in a central computer, while the local controllers may be implemented in their respective local computers.

[0084] Alternatively, the central controller can be implemented, in whole or in part, in one of the local computers.

[0085] In the detailed description of the invention given above, the terminology used should not be construed as limiting the invention to the embodiments set forth in this specification, but should be interpreted to include all equivalents that a person skilled in the art would be able to anticipate by applying his common sense to the implementation of the teachings that have just been disclosed.

Claims

1. A power supply device (100) for an aircraft, comprising: - DC bus (116), at least one electrical load (120A, 120B) is connected to DC bus (116). - a plurality of power sources (110) connected to the direct current bus (116), the power sources (110) comprising a turbine power source (110 BP , 110 HP , 110 APU ); - A local controller (124) for each power source (110), the local controller (124) being designed to control the associated power source (110) by implementing droop control based on the droop gain (K) associated with the associated power source (110); and - Central controller (122); Its features are: - Each local controller (124) is designed to implement a dead zone (ZM) with a variable height (H), which can be zero, according to commands received from the central controller (122); and -The central controller (122) is designed to: • selectively controlling any one of the local controllers (110), including the local controller of the turbine power source (110 BP , 110 HP , 110 APU ) such that a deadband (ZM) of said any one local controller has a non-zero height (H), and • Control at least one other local controller (110) such that the dead zone (ZM) of the at least one other local controller (110) has a different height (H).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The power source includes: a low-voltage power source (110) BP The source is designed to originate from the low-pressure section (106) of the propulsion turbine (102). BP ) Draws mechanical power; and / or, so-called high-voltage power sources (110 HP ), designed to propel the turbine (102) from the high-pressure section (106) HP ) draws mechanical power from the non-propulsion turbine (108); and / or, a power source (110) referred to as an auxiliary power source and designed to draw mechanical power from the non-propulsion turbine (108). APU ); and / or, power sources referred to as power storage sources, including energy storage devices such as batteries (112).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The central controller (122) is configured such that the height (H) of the dead zone (ZM) of at least one of the sources is zero.

4. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each local controller (124) is designed such that when the two ends of the DC bus (116) are relative to the maximum bus voltage (U 最大 When the voltage drop (ΔU) of the power source (110) exceeds the height (H) of the dead zone (ZM), a region called the linear region (ZC) is realized, in which the power source (110) supplies a current (I) that increases with the voltage drop (ΔU), and wherein the central controller (122) is configured to define the height (H) of the dead zone (ZM) such that the linear regions (ZC) of the power source (110) are adjacent and / or overlap.

5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The central controller (122) is configured to send a priority number (p) to each local controller (124), wherein each local controller (124) is arranged to calculate the height (H) of the dead zone (ZM) based on the received priority number (p).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein, Each local controller (124) is configured to calculate the height (H) of the dead zone (ZM) using the following formula based on the received priority number (p): H = p·ΔV, where H is the height of the dead zone, p is the received priority number, and ΔV is a predefined step size, preferably the same for all local controllers (124).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The central controller (122) is designed to provide each local controller (124) with a voltage (U) relative to a reference voltage (U) based on the DC bus (116). ref The correction (δ) is calculated for the deviation (δU) in order to seek to offset the deviation (δU), and each local controller (124) is arranged to apply the correction (δ) to the voltage drop (ΔU) across the DC bus (116) in order to calculate the correction voltage drop (ΔUA', ΔUB') for droop regulation.

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The DC bus (116) is divided into a first section (116A) and a second section (116B), and also includes: - Contactor (118) for selectively connecting and disconnecting two sections (116A, 116B) of the DC bus (116); and - A device (702B) for measuring the voltage (UB) across the second section (116B) of the DC bus (116); The central controller (122) is designed to calculate the correction (δB) of the local controller (124B) of each power source (110) connected to the second section (116B) of the DC bus (116) based on the measured voltage (UB) of the second section (116B) of the DC bus (116) when the contactor (118) is disconnected.

9. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The central controller (122) is configured not to send corrections to the local controller (124A) of each power source (110) connected to the first section (116A) of the DC bus (116) when the contactor (118) is disconnected.

10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 8, further comprising: - A device (702A) for measuring the voltage (UA) across the first section (116A) of the DC bus (116); The central controller (122) is designed to calculate the correction (δA) of the local controller (124A) of each power source (110) connected to the first section (116A) of the DC bus (116) based on the measured voltage (UA) of the first section (116A) of the DC bus (116) when the contactor (118) is disconnected.

11. An aircraft comprising the means according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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