Air Data Probe Power Control via Series-Parallel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air data probe heating systems face challenges in managing power effectively to prevent overheating on the ground while meeting increased icing demands, due to limited power application and reliability issues with active power management techniques.
Innovation Solution
A power management system that connects air data probes in series with the aircraft power source on the ground and switches to parallel configuration during flight, reducing power demand and probe temperatures using a switching mechanism to control the electrical connection of heaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more heat is applied to protect against demanding icing conditions, then icing protection capability is improved, but probe temperature on ground becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connection configuration changeable between series and parallel based on operational conditions. The system dynamically switches between series connection (reducing power and temperature on ground) and parallel connection (providing full power for icing protection in flight), allowing the heater system to adapt to different operational states and resolve the contradiction between ground temperature control and in-flight icing protection.
2Reliability
If air data probes are connected individually to power source, then each probe receives full power for icing protection, but power consumption and temperature on ground increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing a switchable connection system that changes from parallel individual connections during flight to series connection on ground. This dynamic reconfiguration reduces power consumption during ground operations while maintaining the capability for full power delivery when needed for icing protection during flight operations.
3Temperature
If series connection is used on ground, then power consumption and temperature are reduced, but icing protection capability during flight is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic switching between series and parallel connections based on flight status. The system maintains series connection benefits (lower temperature and power consumption) during ground operations, then switches to parallel connection during flight to provide full power for icing protection, ensuring both ground temperature control and in-flight reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the series connection for ground operations before flight, preventing excessive temperature buildup and power consumption in advance. The system is prepared to switch to parallel connection before flight operations begin, ensuring icing protection capability is ready when needed without having suffered the consequences of continuous high-power operation during ground time.
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
This approach allows for effective icing protection during flight without overheating the air data probes on the ground, ensuring compliance with stringent icing regulations while maintaining system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical heater coupled to the body structure and in electrical communication with the power source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A system for power management of air data probes is provided. The system comprises a power source in an aircraft, and two or more air data probes electrically connected to the power source. Each of the air data probes comprises a body structure coupled to a fuselage of the aircraft, and at least one electrical heater coupled to the body structure and in electrical communication with the power source. A switching mechanism is coupled between the power source and the electrical heater of each of the air data probes. The switching mechanism is controllable such that the electrical heater of each of the air data probes is electrically connectable to the power source in parallel or in series.