Adaptive On-Board Engine Model for Hybrid Electric Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in managing the complexity and efficiency of hybrid electric propulsion systems, particularly in predicting component health and degradation, which affects fuel consumption and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive hybrid propulsion control system that dynamically tunes on-board engine models based on the health, quality, and deterioration of components like batteries and motors, using machine learning to predict future faults and failures, and adjust operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hybrid electric propulsion systems are implemented to reduce fuel consumption and energy use, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the propulsion system into distinct functional modules (gas turbine engine, electric propulsion system, battery system, controller) with dedicated models for each. This modular approach manages complexity by allowing independent analysis and management of each subsystem while maintaining overall system integration through the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by updating engine and propulsor models based on real-time electrical parameters and component health status. This allows the system to adapt to varying conditions and optimize energy efficiency while managing complexity through parameter adjustment rather than structural changes.
2Reliability
If electrical parameters are monitored and models are updated in real-time to predict component health, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously updating component models with electrical parameters before actual failures occur. This proactive approach to health monitoring and prediction improves reliability by enabling early detection of degradation trends, allowing maintenance to be scheduled before failures happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where electrical parameters are monitored, component health is assessed, and models are updated in real-time. This closed-loop feedback improves reliability by continuously adapting the system's understanding of component status, enabling dynamic adjustment of operational parameters to prevent failures.
3Measurement precision
If detailed electrical parameters are recorded and stored for long-term analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to data management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most relevant electrical parameters (voltage, current, power, temperature) from the complex data stream for detailed monitoring and model updating. This selective extraction maintains measurement precision for critical parameters while reducing the overall data burden, preventing information loss through focused data management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of electrical parameters by immediately updating component models with measured values during flight. This real-time model updating ensures that critical information is preserved and utilized before potential data loss or degradation, maintaining measurement precision through immediate action.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid electric propulsion (HEP) system of an aircraft includes a gas turbine engine configured to generate rotational power, and an electric propulsion system configured to generate at least one of thrust or lift for operation of the aircraft. The propulsion system includes a propulsor and an electric motor configured to drive the propulsor. A controller is in signal communication with the gas turbine engine and the electric propulsion system. The controller operates the gas turbine engine based on an on-board engine model (OEM), monitors electrical parameters of the electric propulsion system, and updates the OEM in response to changes to the electrical parameters.