Power supply network for an aircraft, aircraft and associated control method

Abstract

Aircraft Power Supply, Aircraft, and Associated Control Method. The present invention relates to a power supply (20) for an aircraft (10), the supply comprising: a drive motor (21); an electric machine (23), comprising a winding (25), the winding comprising at least three windings (26, 27, 28), the winding comprising a midpoint (29) common to each winding; at least one converter (30), the converter or converters being connected to the windings of the coil; loads (69, 70) connected to the converter or converters; and an electronic control unit (68) for the converter or converters. The supply further comprises means (80) for connecting the midpoint (29) of the converter or converters to a ground power unit (82), and the electronic control unit is configured to control at least one converter in a voltage-stepping operation. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Power supply network for an aircraft, aircraft and associated control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply network for an aircraft, the network comprising: - a drive motor; - an electrical machine, mechanically connected to the motor for driving the electrical machine, the electrical machine comprising at least one winding, the winding or each winding comprising at least three windings, connected together in a star configuration, the winding or each winding comprising a common midpoint for each winding; - at least one converter, the converter or each converter being connected to the windings of the or one of the windings of the electrical machine; - loads connected to the converter(s); and - an electronic control unit for the converter or converters, the electronic control unit being configured to control at least one converter among the converter(s) in voltage rectifier operation when the electric machine converts mechanical torque supplied by the motor into alternating electric current.

[0002] To recharge an aircraft battery, it is known to recharge it using an external ground power source, also called a "Ground Power Unit," when the aircraft is on the ground. However, in order to use the ground power unit to charge the battery, it is necessary to use a converter, for example, a step-up converter, connected between the battery and the external ground power source. A converter dedicated to charging the battery from the external ground power source is integrated into the aircraft, thus increasing the load and volume carried on board. Alternatively, it is also known to modify the external ground power source by connecting a ground converter to it; however, this limits the locations where the aircraft battery can be recharged to those with such a converter.Furthermore, this converter is often connected to the external ground power source with a specific connector, which further limits the possibility of charging the aircraft.

[0003] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a power supply network for an aircraft allowing the aircraft to be electrically powered from an external source ground power supply not modified while limiting the load and volume carried in the aircraft.

[0004] For this purpose, the invention relates to a network further comprising means for connecting the midpoint of the or each winding to a ground power unit,

[0005] the electronic control unit is configured to control at least one converter among the converter(s) in a voltage rise operation when the connection means are connected to a ground power unit for supplying the midpoint of the or each winding, in order to electrically supply the loads.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to power the aircraft and, if necessary, recharge its battery without adding an additional converter to the grid. In fact, the aircraft's existing power supply systems are used to increase the voltage to power the aircraft from the ground power unit. Thus, it is not necessary to carry an additional converter dedicated to powering the aircraft when it is on the ground, thereby reducing the aircraft's weight.

[0007] Furthermore, it is also unnecessary to modify the external power source used for charging by adding an additional converter. The aircraft can thus be powered from the ground by a standard auxiliary power unit, available at all airports or air bases.

[0008] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the network comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0009] - the electrical machine comprises a first and a second winding, and the network includes a first and a second converter, the first converter being connected to the windings of the first winding and the second converter being connected to the windings of the second winding;

[0010] - the network includes a switch, and when the second converter is controlled in a voltage rise operation, the midpoints of the first and second windings are connected together by the switch between the midpoints, and the connection means connect a positive output terminal of the first converter to the ground power unit to supply the midpoint of the second winding via the first converter and the first winding in order to electrically supply the loads;

[0011] - the network further comprises:

[0012] - a second drive motor;

[0013] - a second electrical machine, mechanically connected to the second motor for driving the second electric machine, the second machine electrical comprising a winding comprising at least three windings, connected together in a star configuration, such that the winding includes a common midpoint for each winding;

[0014] - a third converter, connected to the windings of the second machine electrical and charging;

[0015] - the connection means are the first and second connection means of the midpoint of each winding of the first electric machine to the ground power unit and the network includes third means of connection of the midpoint of the winding of the second electric machine to the ground power unit;

[0016] the electronic control unit being configured to control the third converter in a voltage rectifier operation when the electric machine converts a mechanical torque supplied by the second motor into an alternating electric current, and to control the third converter in a voltage boost operation when the second connection means are connected to the ground power unit for supplying the midpoint of the winding of the second electric machine in order to electrically supply the loads;

[0017] - the winding or each winding comprises three windings and the converter or each comprises three branches, each branch comprising two switches, and a midpoint of each branch, located between the two switches, being connected to a winding of the coil;

[0018] - the network includes auxiliary connection means for the or each converter to an external power source, and the electronic control unit is further configured to control the converter or each converter according to voltage rectifier operation further when the auxiliary connection means are connected to an auxiliary ground power unit, the auxiliary connection means each comprising a switch, for supplying the converter or each converter in order to electrically supply the loads;

[0019] - the loads include a battery, with a voltage greater than or equal to 250V, connected to each converter, and when the electronic control unit commands at least one converter among the converter(s) in a voltage rise operation, the battery is electrically supplied in order to be charged.

[0020] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising the power supply network described above.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a power supply network, the power supply network being as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0022] - control of at least one of the converter(s) in operation in a voltage rectifier, when the electrical machine converts a mechanical torque supplied by the motor into alternating electrical current; and

[0023] - control of at least one converter among the converter(s) in a operation in voltage rise when at least one of the connection means is connected to the ground power unit for supplying the midpoint of the winding.

[0024] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the method comprises the following features:

[0025] - the method further comprises a control of at least one converter among the converter(s) in inverter operation in order to electrically power the electric machine from a battery connected to the converter(s);

[0026] - the network includes auxiliary connection means for the or each converter to an external power source, and the converter control stage in voltage rectifier operation is further carried out when the auxiliary connection means are connected to the auxiliary ground power unit.

[0027] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a diagram of an aircraft comprising a power supply network according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a flowchart of a process according to a mode of realization of the invention. - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a diagram of a power supply network according to a second embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a diagram of a power supply network according to a third embodiment of the invention; and - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a diagram of a power supply network according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 represents an aircraft 10. The aircraft 10 is, for example, an airplane or a drone. A detail 11 of the aircraft 10 is also shown in Figure 1. The detail 11 shows a power supply 20 included in the aircraft 10. The power supply 20 includes a thermal drive engine 21, mechanically connected to an electric machine 23 for driving the electric machine 23. The drive engine 21, also simply called the motor, is a Engine propelling aircraft 10, particularly when aircraft 10 is in flight. Engine 21 is, for example, a turbojet.

[0029] The electric machine 23 is configured to convert a mechanical force, advantageously a mechanical torque received from the motor 21, into an electric current. Advantageously, the electric machine 23 is also configured in reverse to convert an electric current into a mechanical torque to drive the motor 21. The electric machine 23 is, for example, an electric motor, powered either by a mechanical torque to supply electricity, or by electricity to supply torque.

[0030] Advantageously, the electric current produced by the electric machine 23 is a three-phase alternating current. The electric machine 23 is, for example, of the synchronous, asynchronous, or variable reluctance type.

[0031] The electrical machine 23 comprises a winding 25. The winding 25 comprises three windings 26, 27, and 28 for producing three-phase alternating current. In an alternative configuration not shown, the winding 25 comprises more than three windings. The windings 26, 27, and 28 are, for example, formed by coils and connected to each other in a star configuration. Thus, the winding 25 includes a center tap 29, also called the neutral tap, common to each winding 26, 27, and 28.

[0032] The network 20 further comprises a converter 30, connected to windings 26, 27, and 28. Advantageously, the converter 30 comprises an input 31, an output 32, and three branches 36, 37, and 38 connected in parallel with each other at the output 32. Each branch comprises two switches, respectively switches 41, 42; 43, 44; and 45, 46. A switch is understood to be a component that can be controlled by switching. Each branch 36, 37, 38 comprises two diodes, respectively 51, 52; 53, 54; and 55, 56. In the example of [Fig. 1], each diode 51 to 56 is associated with a respective switch 41 to 46 and is arranged in parallel with the switch to which it is associated. Switches 41 to 46 are advantageously semiconductor switches, such as field effect transistors, or FETs, from the English "Field Effect Transistor", insulated gate bipolar transistors, or IGBTs, from the English "Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor".

[0033] In an alternative not shown, each branch includes more than two switches and more than two diodes.

[0034] Each branch 36, 37, 38 includes a midpoint, respectively 61, 62, 63, located between the two switches of the branch 41, 42; 43, 44 and 45, 46. The midpoints 61, 62, 63 are connected to one of the windings of the machine 23, respectively 26, 27 and 28 and form the input 31.

[0035] The converter 30 also includes a capacitor 66, connected in parallel with branches 36, 37, 38.

[0036] The network 20 further includes an electronic control unit 68 for the converter 30, connected to the converter 30. The electronic control unit 68 is for example made in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA, from the English "Field Programmable Gate Array", or an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC, from the English "Application Specified Integrated Circuit".

[0037] The electronic control unit 68 is configured to control the converter 30 in AC / DC rectifier operation and in DC / DC step-up operation, as explained in more detail below. Advantageously, the electronic control unit is also configured to control the converter 30 in DC / AC inverter operation. For this purpose, the electronic control unit 68 controls each switch 41 to 46 between a closed and an open configuration, as is known per se.

[0038] The output 32 of the converter 30 is connected to loads of the aircraft 10. The loads are, for example, the loads 69 of the aircraft's onboard electrical system 10, a battery 70, or a secondary power unit. The loads 69 of the onboard electrical system include electronic components necessary for the operation of the aircraft 10. The battery 70 is optional. The battery 70 is advantageously a high-voltage battery, delivering, for example, a voltage greater than 250V, for example, 270V. According to one example, and as shown in [Fig. 1], the battery 70 consists of a plurality of batteries, connected, for example, in parallel on a battery bus. The battery 70 advantageously serves to power the loads 69 of the aircraft's onboard electrical system 10. Advantageously, the battery 70 also serves to start or electrically assist the engine 21.

[0039] In the example of [Fig. 1], a positive terminal of the output 32 of the converter 30 is connected to an interconnection bus 72 and a positive terminal of the battery 70 is connected to a sharing bus 74, respectively via switches 76 and 77. The interconnection bus 72 and the sharing bus 74 are connected to each other via a sharing switch 78. A negative terminal of the output 32 of the converter 30 is connected directly to the battery 70, in particular to a negative terminal of the battery 70. Alternatively, the second terminal of the output 32 and the negative terminal of the battery 70 are both connected to a common potential reference.

[0040] Advantageously, the loads 69 of the on-board network are connected to the interconnection bus 72.

[0041] The network 20 further includes means 80 for connecting the neutral point 29 to an external power source, which is here a ground power unit 82. The connection means 80 are, for example, formed of connecting buses to connect a positive terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the neutral point 29 on the one hand, and for connect a negative terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the branches 36, 37 and 38 of the converter 30. Alternatively, the negative terminal of the ground power unit 82 is connected to the potential reference, or directly to a negative terminal of the battery 70. Advantageously, the connection means 80 further include a switch 83, which, when in the closed configuration, allows an electric current to flow from the ground power unit 82 to the neutral point 29.

[0042] The ground power unit 82 is also known by its English name, "Ground Power Unit," or GPU. The ground power unit 82 is configured to supply direct current. By way of example, the direct current supplied by the ground power unit 82 is a low-voltage direct current, for example, with a voltage below 30V, preferably equal to 28V.

[0043] A method for controlling the power supply network 20 is now described with reference to [Fig.2]. The method is implemented by the electronic control unit 68.

[0044] The electronic control unit 68 is advantageously in an initial state 1000.

[0045] In the absence of a ground power unit 82, when the electric machine 23 converts mechanical torque, supplied by the motor 21, into alternating electrical current, the electronic control unit 68 commands the converter 30 to operate as a voltage rectifier during a step 1102. Step 1102 is carried out, for example, when the aircraft 10 is in flight. The direct current produced by the converter 30 is used, for example, to power loads, such as loads 69 and / or to charge the battery 70.

[0046] When the connecting means 80 are connected to the ground power unit 82 for supplying the neutral point 29, and advantageously, the switch 83 is in the closed position, the electronic control unit 68 commands the converter 30 to operate in step-up mode during step 1104. In this case, the windings 26, 27, and 28 and the converter 30 operate together as a step-up converter. Step 1104 takes place when the aircraft 10 is on the ground, so that the connecting means 80 can be connected to the ground power unit 82.

[0047] The ground power unit 82 provides, for example, a direct current with a voltage of 28V, and the assembly formed by the windings 26, 27 and 28, together with the converter 30 controlled by the electronic control unit 68, converts the current into high-voltage direct current, for example above 250V, in order to electrically power the aircraft 10. This consists of powering the loads, for example the loads 69, and / or charging the battery 70. The battery 70, once charged it can be used for example to power the loads 69, or to electrically assist the engine 21, for example when the aircraft 10 is in flight.

[0048] The winding 25 is thus used with the converter 30 to convert the direct current into high voltage, which allows the use of elements already existing and integrated into the network 20 to electrically power the aircraft 10, for example to charge the battery 70 using the ground power unit 82. It is therefore not necessary to provide an additional winding, and / or converter in order to electrically power the aircraft 10 from the ground power unit 82.

[0049] Advantageously, the electronic unit 68 controls the converter 30 in inverter mode to supply electrical power to the electric machine 23 from the battery 70 during a step 1106. In this case, the electric machine 23 generates mechanical torque from the electrical current supplied by the inverter 30 to operate the motor 21. Step 1106 is, for example, carried out at the user's command, who may wish, for instance, to supply the motor 21 with electricity for its operation. This allows, for example, starting the motor 21, or assisting it in case of failure.

[0050] Advantageously, the electronic unit 68 goes from one of the steps 1102, 1104 or 1106 and returns to the initial state 1000, for example once a predetermined time has elapsed, or following a command from the user.

[0051] Figure 3 is a diagram of a network 120, as an alternative embodiment to the network 20. The network 120 comprises the elements included in the network 20, and further comprises a drive motor 121, also simply called a motor, and an electric machine 123. The aircraft 10, comprising two motors 21 and 121, is said to be twin-engine. The motor 121 is identical to the motor 21.

[0052] The electric machine 123 is similar to the electric machine 23 except for the differences described below. The electric machine 123 comprises a winding 125, each winding comprising three windings connected together in a star configuration, namely windings 126, 127, and 128 for winding 125. Winding 125 thus includes a center tap, or neutral tap 129. The network 120 includes a converter 130, similar at least functionally to converter 30. The converter 130 is connected to windings 126, 127, and 128.

[0053] In addition, the electric machine 123 includes a winding 135, comprising windings 136, 137 and 138, connected in a star configuration at a neutral point 139. The network 120 also includes a converter 140, connected to the windings 136, 137 and 138.

[0054] The electronic control unit 68 is further connected to the converters 130 and 140 and is configured to control each of the converters 30, 130 and 140 in operation in voltage rectifier mode and in voltage boosting mode.

[0055] Converters 130 and 140 are connected at their output to the loads, being connected to an interconnection bus 172, respectively via switches 175 and 176. More specifically, a positive output terminal of converters 130 and 140 is connected to the loads via the interconnection bus 172. The loads include the battery 70, connected to the interconnection bus via the sharing bus 74, the loads 69 of the on-board network, and advantageously include additional loads 169, connected to the interconnection bus 172. Alternatively, the loads 169 belong to an additional on-board network.

[0056] The interconnection bus 172 is connected to the sharing bus 74, and thus to the battery 70, via a sharing switch 178. The interconnection bus 172 includes an interconnection switch 179, which allows the converters 130 and 140 to be electrically isolated from each other. The sharing switches 78 and 178 allow the sharing bus 74 to be isolated from the interconnection buses 72 and 172 respectively, for example in the event of an electrical fault on one of the interconnection buses 72 and 172.

[0057] A negative output terminal of converters 130 and 140, not shown, is connected to the negative terminal of battery 70, or alternatively, to ground.

[0058] The network 120 further includes means for connecting 180 and 181 the neutral points 129 and 139 to the ground power unit 82. The means for connecting 180 and 181 are for example formed of connecting buses to connect a positive terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the neutral point 129, to connect the positive terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the neutral point 139, and to connect the converters 130 and 140 to the negative terminal of the power unit 82, the latter not being shown.

[0059] The connection means 180 and 181 comprise respectively switches 183 and 184, which when in closed configuration, allow an electric current to flow from the ground power unit 82 to respectively the neutral point 129 and the neutral point 139, in the respective converters 130 and 140 and to the negative terminal of the ground power unit 82.

[0060] Advantageously, the network 120 further includes auxiliary connection means 186 and 188 of the converters 30 and 140 to an additional external power supply 190. The additional external power supply 190 is advantageously located on the ground and is not part of the network 120. The additional external power supply 190 is configured to provide alternating current, for example with an effective voltage of 115V.

[0061] The auxiliary connection means 186 and 188 respectively comprise switches 191, 192, which, when in the closed configuration, respectively connect a positive terminal of the additional external power supply 190 via 186 and 188 to the input of the converters 30 and 140.

[0062] In an alternative not shown, the auxiliary connection means 186 are configured to further connect the converter 130 and the external power supply 190.

[0063] The method for controlling the power supply network 120 is similar to that of the power supply network 20 except for the differences described below. During step 1102, the electronic control unit 68 controls each converter 30, 130 and 140 in voltage rectifier operation, when the electrical machines 23 and 123 convert a mechanical torque, supplied respectively by the motors 21 and 121, into alternating voltage.

[0064] Advantageously, the switches 76, 77, 78 and 175, 176, 178 and 179 are controlled in closed or open configuration, depending on the needs of a user, for example who wishes to power the loads 69 and 169, connected to the interconnection buses 72 and 172, without charging the battery 70.

[0065] According to an example not shown, during step 1102, switches 77 and 179 are in the open configuration, so as not to charge battery 70, and to avoid a short circuit between converters 130 and 140.

[0066] According to another example, not shown, the battery 70 is charged from the motor 121, with switches 77, 175, 178 and 179 in the closed configuration, and the other switches in the open configuration.

[0067] Alternatively, one of the motors, for example motor 121, is used to charge battery 70, and the other motor, for example motor 21, is used to power loads 69.

[0068] Advantageously, step 1102 is also carried out when the auxiliary connection means 186 and / or 188 are connected to the external power supply 190. In other words, when the auxiliary connection means 186 and / or 188 are connected to the external power supply 190, the electronic control unit 68 commands the converter 30 and / or the converter 140 to operate as a voltage rectifier, to supply the converter 30 and / or the converter 140 in order to supply the loads, for example to supply the loads of the on-board networks 69 and / or 169, or, alternatively or in addition, to charge the battery 70.

[0069] During step 1104, the electronic control unit 68 controls at least one of the converters 30, 130 and 140 in voltage rise operation when the corresponding connection means are connected to the ground power unit 82.

[0070] In the example of [Fig. 3], the connection means 180 are connected to the ground power unit 82, and the switch 183 is in the closed position. Thus, only the neutral point 129 is connected to the ground power unit 82 for its power supply. The converter 130 is then controlled by the electronic control unit 68 to increase the voltage in order to supply power to the loads 69 and 169 and / or to charge the battery 70.

[0071] Advantageously, during step 1104, switches 77, 175, 178 and 179 are also in the closed configuration, in order to allow current to flow from converter 130 to battery 70, and the other switches are in the open configuration.

[0072] Alternatively, in step 1104, the electronic control unit 68 controls each converter 30, 130, and 140 in boost-voltage operation, when the connection means 80 and 180 are connected to the ground power unit 82 for supplying the neutral points 29, 129, and 139. The switches 83, 183, and 184 are closed to ensure the connection of the connection means 80, 180, and 181 to the ground power unit 82. The voltage supplied by the ground power unit 82 via the connection means 80, 180, and 181 flows simultaneously through the neutral point 29, the neutral point 129, and the neutral point 139. In other words, all converters 30, 130, and 140 are supplied simultaneously. by the ground power unit 82. Switches 76, 77, 78, 175, 176, 178 and 179 are in closed configuration to ensure the power supply of loads, for example, charging battery 70.Alternatively, switches 76, 77, 175, 176, 178 and 179 are in the closed configuration and switch 78 is in the open configuration. In this case, converters 130 and 140 supply power to battery 70 and loads 169, and converter 30 supplies electricity to other aircraft loads 10, such as loads 69.

[0073] Alternatively, switches 83, 183, and 184 are controlled by a user so that converters 30, 130, and 140 are cyclically energized. For example, when switch 83 is in the closed position, switches 183 and 184 are in the open position. Only the neutral point 29 is energized, and only converter 30 is activated in boost mode. After a predetermined time, or alternatively, when a temperature in the winding 25 exceeds a threshold, switch 83 switches to the open position and switch 183 switches to the closed position, converter 130 is activated in boost mode, and converter 30 is no longer activated in boost mode.Similarly, after a predetermined period, or when a temperature of the winding 125 exceeds a threshold, the switch 183 switches to the open configuration, the switch 184 switches to the closed configuration, the converter 140 is controlled in the . During voltage boost operation, the 130 converter is no longer controlled. The 70 battery is thus successively powered by the 30, 130, and 140 converters.

[0074] Other variants are still possible, such as supplying loads 69 and 169 with converter 30 by switching switches 76, 78 and 178 to the closed configuration, with the other switches in the open configuration.

[0075] Advantageously, during step 1106, at least one of the converters 30, 130, or 140 is controlled in inverter operation. In this case, the electric machine 23 or 123 connected to the converter 30, 130, or 140 controlled in inverter operation drives the motor 21 or 121 to which it is connected.

[0076] Figure 4 represents a diagram of a 220 network, as an alternative embodiment to the 120 network. The 220 network is similar to the 120 network, except for the differences described below. Network 220 includes two drive motors 121. The electric machine 123, the converters 130 and 140, and the connecting means 180 and 181, replace the electric machine 23, the converter 30, and the connecting means 80, respectively. Similarly, an interconnection bus 172 replaces the interconnection bus 72, and switches 175 and 176, on the one hand, and 178 and 179, on the other hand, replace switches 76 and 78. Loads 169 are each connected to one of the interconnection buses 172. The auxiliary connecting means 186 is configured to connect the converter 140 and the external power supply 190.

[0077] The electronic control unit 68 is connected to each converter 130 and 140, and configured to control each converter 130, 140 in voltage rectifier operation when the electric machines 123 convert a mechanical torque supplied by the motors 121 into an alternating electric current, and advantageously, when the connection means 186, 188 are connected to the external power source 190. The electronic control unit 68 is also configured to control each converter 130, 140 in voltage boost operation when the connection means 180, 181 are connected to the ground power unit 82 for supplying the midpoints 129, 139, in order to electrically supply loads, for example supplying the loads of the onboard network 169 and / or charging the battery 70.

[0078] The control method for network 220 is identical to that which has been described for network 120.

[0079] In the example of [Fig. 4], the connection means 180 and 181 are connected to the ground power unit 82 because the switches 183 are in the closed configuration. The converters 130 are controlled in step-up operation by the electronic control unit 68. The switches 175, 178, and 179 are in a closed configuration and the other switches are in an open configuration. Thus, the battery 70 is powered simultaneously by the converters 130. In an alternative configuration not shown, one of the switches 178 is in an open configuration. In this case, two converters 130 and 140, connected to the same electrical machine 123, power the battery 70 and part of the loads 169, and the other two converters 130 and 140 supply electricity to the other loads of the aircraft 10, such as the other part of the loads 169. Figure 5 represents a network 320, as an alternative embodiment to the networks 20, 120, and 220 described previously. Elements identical to those of the previous embodiments are designated by the same reference symbols, and the main distinguishing features of this embodiment from the others are described.

[0080] The network 320 shown in [Fig.5] includes only one motor 121. In an alternative not shown, the network 320 includes two motors, similarly to networks 120 and 220.

[0081] The converters 130 and 140 each comprise an input 331 and 341, an output 332 and 342, three branches, respectively 336, 337 and 338, and 346, 347 and 348, and a capacitor, respectively 339 and 349 connected in parallel with branches 336, 337 and 338 on the one hand and 346, 347 and 348 on the other hand.

[0082] Each branch comprises two switches, respectively 351, 352, 353, 354, 355 and 356 for converter 130 and 361, 362, 363, 364, 365 and 366 for converter 140, and two diodes, one diode being associated with and in parallel with a switch. Each branch 336, 337 and 338 comprises a midpoint, respectively 371, 372 and 373, connected respectively to windings 126, 127 and 128, and each branch 346, 347 and 348 comprises a midpoint, respectively 375, 376 and 377, connected respectively to windings 136, 137 and 138.

[0083] A positive terminal of outputs 332 and 342 is connected to the interconnection bus 172, and a negative terminal of outputs 332 and 342 is connected to a potential reference.

[0084] The network 320 includes means for connecting 380 and 381 from the neutral points 129 and 139 to the ground power unit 82. The means for connecting 380 and 381 are for example formed of connecting buses, and switches 361, 363 and 365 on the one hand, and 351, 353 and 353 on the other hand, for connecting the positive terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the neutral points 129 and 139, respectively. As seen in [Fig.5], the connection means 381 connect the positive terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the positive terminal of the output 332 of the converter 130. The neutral point 129 is thus supplied via the converter 130 when the switches 351, 353 and 355 are configured all or alternately in closed configuration.

[0085] Advantageously, the network 320 further includes a switch 382, ​​between the neutral points 129 and 139. The switch 382 is external to the electrical machine 123. When switch 382 is in closed configuration, it connects midpoints 129 and 139 together.

[0086] The second neutral point 139 is thus supplied from the converter 130 when the switch 382 is in the closed configuration.

[0087] Similarly, the connection means 380 connect the positive terminal of the ground power unit 82 to the positive terminal of the output 342 of the converter 140, to supply the neutral point 139 via the transistors 361, 363, 365. The second neutral point 129 is supplied when the switch 382 is in the closed configuration.

[0088] The connection means 180 and 181 advantageously comprise respectively switches 383 and 384, which when in closed configuration, allow an electric current to flow from the ground power unit 82 to respectively the converter 130, and to the converter 140.

[0089] In the example of [Fig.5], during steps 1102 and 1106, switch 382 is in the open configuration.

[0090] During step 1104, the converter 140 is controlled in step-up operation by the electronic control unit 68 when the connection means 381 are connected to the ground power unit 82 and when the neutral points 129 and 139 are connected together, by the switch 382 which is controlled in the closed position. The converter 130 is controlled by the electronic control unit 68 to behave as a three-wire system; specifically, for each branch 336, 337, and 338 of the converter 130, one switch is controlled in the closed position and the other switch is controlled in the open position. Switches 351, 353, and 355 are controlled in the closed position, and switches 352, 354, and 356 are configured in the open position.

[0091] In addition, switches 77, 176 and 178 are in the closed configuration and switches 175 and 179 are in the open configuration. Thus, the voltage delivered by the ground power unit 82 flows through the connection means 381, through the winding 125 to the neutral point 139, through the winding 135 and the converter 140 which increases the voltage, then through the interconnection bus 172 and the sharing bus to charge the battery 70, as indicated by the dashed arrows.

Claims

1. Demands Power supply network (20; 120; 220; 320) for one aircraft (10), the network (20; 120; 220) comprising: - a drive motor (21; 121); - an electric machine (23; 123), mechanically connected to the motor (21; 121) for driving the electric machine (23; 123), the electric machine (23; 123) comprising at least one winding (25; 125, 135), the winding or each winding (25; 125, 135) comprising at least three windings (26, 27, 28; 126, 127, 128, 136, 137, 138), connected together in a star configuration, the winding or each winding (25; 125, 135) comprising a midpoint (29; 129, 139) common to each winding (26, 27, 28; 126, 127, 128, 136, 137, 138); - at least one converter (30; 130, 140), the converter or each converter (30; 130, 140) being connected to the windings (26, 27, 28; 126, 127, 128, 136, 137, 138) of the winding or one of the windings (25; 125, 135) of the electrical machine (23; 123); - loads (69, 70; 169) connected to the converter(s) (30; 130, 140); and - an electronic control unit (68) of the converter or each converter (30; 130; 140), the electronic control unit (68) being configured to control at least one converter among the converter(s) (30; 130, 140) in voltage rectifier operation when the electrical machine (23; 123) converts a mechanical torque supplied by the motor (21; 121) into an alternating electrical current, characterized in that the network (20; 120; 220) further comprises means of connection (80; 180, 181; 380, 381) of the midpoint (29; 129, 139) of the or of each winding (25; 125, 135) to a ground power unit (82), and in that the electronic control unit (68) is configured to control at least one converter among the converter(s) (30; 130, 140) in a voltage boost operation when the connection means (80; 180, 181; 380, 381) are connected to a ground power unit (82) for supplying the midpoint (29; 129, 139) of the or each winding (25; 125, 135), in order to electrically supply the loads (69, 70; 169).

2. Network (120; 220; 320) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical machine (123) comprises a first and a second winding (125, 135), and the network (120; 220) comprises a first and a second converter (130, 140), the first converter (130) being connected to the windings (126, 127, 128) of the first winding and the second converter (140) being connected to the windings of the second winding (136, 137, 138).

3. Network (320) according to claim 2, comprising a switch (382), and wherein, when the second converter (140) is controlled in a voltage rise operation, the midpoints (129, 139) of the first and second windings (125, 135) are connected together by the switch (382) between the midpoints (129, 139), and the connecting means (381) connect a positive output terminal of the first converter (130) to the ground power unit (82) to supply the midpoint (139) of the second winding (135) via the first converter (130) and the first winding (125) in order to electrically supply the loads (70, 169).

4. Network (220) according to any one of the preceding claims, the network (220) further comprising: - a second drive motor (121); - a second electric machine (123), mechanically connected to the second motor (121) for driving the second electric machine (123), the second electric machine (123) comprising a winding (125) comprising at least three windings (126, 127, 128), connected together in a star configuration, such that the winding (125) comprises a midpoint (129) common to each winding (126, 127, 128); - a third converter (130), connected to the windings (126, 127, 128) of the second electric machine (123) and to the loads (70, 169); - the connection means (180, 181) are first and second connection means from the midpoint (129, 139) of each winding (125, 135) of the first electric machine (123) to the ground power unit (82) and the network (220) includes third connection means (180) from the midpoint of the winding (125) of the second electric machine (123) to the ground power unit (82); the electronic control unit (68) being configured to control the third converter (130) in a voltage rectifier operation when the electric machine (123) converts a mechanical torque supplied by the second motor (121) into an alternating electric current, and to control the third converter (130) in a voltage boost operation when the second connection means (180) are connected to the ground power unit (82) for supplying the midpoint (129) of the winding (125) of the second electric machine (123) in order to electrically supply the loads (69, 70, 169).

5. Network (20; 120; 220; 320) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding or each winding (25; 125, 135) comprises three windings (26, 27, 28; 126, 127, 128, 136, 137, 138) and the converter or each converter (30; 130, 140) comprises three branches (36, 37, 38; 336, 337, 338, 346, 347, 348), each branch (36, 37, 38; 336, 337, 338, 346, 347, 348) comprising two switches (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46; 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366), and a midpoint (61, 62, 63; 371, 372, 373, 375, 376, 377) of each branch (36, 37, 38; 336, 337, 338, 346, 347, 348), located between the two switches (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46; 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366), being connected to a winding (26, 27, 28; 126, 127, 128, 136, 137, 138) of winding (25; 125, 135).

6. Network (120; 220) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the network (120; 220) comprises auxiliary connection means (186, 188) for the converter or each converter (30, 140) to an external power source (190), and the electronic control unit (68) is further configured to control the converter or each converter (30, 140) according to the operation as a voltage rectifier furthermore when the auxiliary connection means (186, 188) are connected to an auxiliary ground power unit (190), the auxiliary connection means (186, 188) each comprising a switch (191, 192), for supplying the or each converter (30, 140) in order to electrically supply the loads (69, 70, 169).

7. Network (20; 120; 220; 320) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loads include a battery (70), of voltage greater than or equal to 250V, connected to the or each converter (30; 130, 140), and when the electronic control unit (68) commands at least one converter among the converter(s) (30; 130, 140) in a voltage rise operation, the battery (70) is electrically supplied in order to be charged.

8. Aircraft (10) comprising a power supply network (20; 120; 220; 320) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Method of controlling a power supply network (20; 120; 220; 320) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, implemented by the electronic control unit (68), the method comprising the following steps: - control (1102) of at least one of the converter(s) (30; 130, 140) in a voltage rectifier operation, when the electric machine (23; 123) converts a mechanical torque supplied by the motor (21; 121) into alternating electric current; and - control (1104) of at least one converter among the converter(s) (30; 130, 140) in a voltage rise operation when at least one of the connection means (80; 180, 181) is connected to the ground power unit (82) for supplying the midpoint (29; 129, 139) of the winding (25; 125, 135).

10. Control method according to claim 9 wherein the method further comprises a control (1106) of at least one converter among the converter(s) (30; 130, 140) in inverter operation in order to electrically supply the electric machine (23; 123) from a battery (70) connected to the, or to each converter (30; 130, 140).

11. 19 Control method according to any one of claims 9 to 10 wherein the network (120; 220) comprises auxiliary connection means (186, 188) of the or each converter (30, 140) to an external power source (190), and the control step (1102) of the converter (30, 140) in operation as a voltage rectifier is further carried out when the auxiliary connection means (186, 188) are connected to the auxiliary ground power unit (190).

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