Adjustable Cable Drum Power Converter for Aircraft Ground Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power converters for aircraft on the ground require long cables and occupy significant space underneath passenger boarding bridges, complicating cable connection and maintenance due to variable aircraft positioning and lack of adjustable cable length.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with a frequency converter and adjustable output cable length, managed by a cable drum system and controller, allowing for variable distance between the converter and aircraft, along with advanced control for stable voltage and harmonic suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a long fixed-length cable is used to connect the power converter to the aircraft, then the converter can reach aircraft at various positions, but the cable occupies significant space underneath the passenger boarding bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The cable length is made dynamically adjustable through a cable drum mechanism that allows the cable to be wound and unwound. This enables the system to adapt to different aircraft positions while minimizing the space occupied when the cable is not in use, as it can be compacted onto the drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is nested onto the cable drum when not in use, allowing a long cable to be stored in a compact form factor. This nesting principle enables the system to provide long cable reach when needed while occupying minimal space during storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a long cable is used to accommodate variable aircraft positioning, then all aircraft positions can be reached, but cable connection and maintenance become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable drum mechanism provides dynamic cable length adjustment, allowing the cable to be extended or retracted based on the aircraft position. This reduces cable complexity by eliminating the need for excessively long fixed cables while maintaining adaptability to various positioning scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through control signals between the aircraft and power converter, enabling automated or assisted cable management. This feedback loop helps simplify connection procedures by providing guidance on cable extension and retraction.
3Length of moving object
If known cable hoists and winders are used for interconnection, then the desired cable length can be provided, but they take up significant space underneath the passenger boarding bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The cable drum is integrated into the power converter housing, merging the cable management function with the power conversion equipment. This combination eliminates the need for separate cable hoists and winders, significantly reducing the space occupied underneath the passenger boarding bridge while maintaining the ability to provide the desired cable length.
4Device complexity
If the output cable impedance is not compensated, then the system is simpler, but the voltage quality deteriorates under asymmetric loads
Solution Approach 1:
The controller measures the output voltage and current, calculates the cable impedance effects, and uses this feedback to adjust the inverter output. This closed-loop control compensates for voltage drops and phase shifts caused by cable impedance, maintaining voltage quality under asymmetric loads while adding manageable complexity to the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inverter output parameters (voltage magnitude and phase angle) based on the calculated cable impedance effects. By changing these parameters in real-time, the system compensates for impedance-induced distortions and maintains stable voltage quality despite varying load conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, efficient power converter that maintains stable voltage quality under asymmetric loads and reduces installation and maintenance costs by allowing for shorter cables and easier access, while ensuring safe and reliable power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a cable drum enclosed in its housing for winding and unwinding of the output cable
Implementation Method 2
a frequency converter for generation of a stabilized multi-phase alternating output voltage... driven by a 50 Hz or 60 Hz 3-phase input voltage and generates a desired 3-phase 400 Hz alternating output voltage
Implementation Method 3
The frequency converter may comprise a rectifier connected to the mains voltage for provision of a rectified DC voltage
Implementation Method 4
an inverter that generates the desired output voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a power converter for supply of electrical power to an aircraft on the ground. More specifically it relates to a power converter comprising a housing enclosing a frequency converter for provision of a stabilized multi-phase alternating output voltage to an aircraft through an output cable that is supplied from a cable drum integrated in the housing and facilitating connection to aircrafts with variable distances between their power sockets and the converter.