Aircraft APU Energy Management Using Centralized Predictive Analytics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy management systems for aeronautical assemblies, particularly involving auxiliary power units (APUs), suffer from inefficiencies leading to increased energy waste, unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, and operational complexity due to lack of centralized data sharing and predictive analytics across multiple actors during ground operations.

Innovation Solution

A centralized digital platform collects real-time data from aircraft and external equipment, applies machine learning algorithms to predict energy overconsumption and APU overruns, and issues real-time alerts and commands to optimize energy use, reducing GHG emissions by switching off APUs when external power is available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actors (MRO companies, airport operators, ground crew) are involved in power supply operations, then comprehensive coverage of operations is achieved, but operational complexity increases and information sharing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive coverage of operationsVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent actors (MRO companies, airport operators, ground crew) into a single centralized digital platform that consolidates data collection, processing, and decision-making functions. This integration eliminates information silos and reduces operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage of power supply operations across all stakeholders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The digital platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a data collection hub, predictive analytics engine, real-time monitoring system, and decision support tool for all actors involved in power supply operations. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate systems with a single universal platform that benefits all stakeholders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If APU is used to provide power on ground, then energy independence is achieved, but energy consumption and GHG emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy independenceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor APU operational status, external power availability, and environmental conditions. This feedback enables real-time optimization of power supply decisions, allowing the system to switch between APU and external power sources based on current conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary APU operation and associated emissions while maintaining energy independence when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The predictive analytics component performs preliminary analysis of flight schedules, weather conditions, and airport infrastructure availability to anticipate future power needs. This allows the system to proactively plan power supply transitions and prepare external power connections before APU shutdown is required, ensuring seamless transitions while minimizing APU runtime and emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If real-time data collection and predictive analytics are implemented, then energy optimization is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The digital platform acts as an intermediary layer between raw data sources (sensors, flight management systems, weather services) and decision-making processes. It consolidates and standardizes data from multiple sources, applies predictive analytics algorithms, and presents optimized recommendations to operators. This intermediary approach manages system complexity by centralizing data processing functions while maintaining simple interfaces for end users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260008555A1Method for optimizing the energy management of an aeronautical assembly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and associated digital platform

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 REVIMA GRP

AI summary

A method for optimizing energy management and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of a complex aeronautical assembly having at least one aircraft and an auxiliary power unit (APU). The method analyzing, in a centralized manner outside the aeronautical assembly, data from the aeronautical assembly to compare at least one state of a parameter of the assembly with a predetermined optimal state of the parameter. The data measured by sensors of the aeronautical assembly are collected. The collected data is transmitted to a digital processing and analysis platform. The data is processed by the platform implementing machine learning algorithms. Information relating to the processed data is displayed on a dashboard accessible via different terminals. The APU is deactivated to decrease greenhouse gas emissions when energy overconsumption and/or APU overrun event is detected.