Aircraft Autonomous Movement Power System with Parallel Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for powering autonomous movement motors in aircraft during taxiing, relying on an auxiliary power unit (APU) generator, face inefficiencies due to the need for power adaptation and energy storage, which increases mass and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A second generator is added, operating in parallel with the APU generator, allowing precise sizing for autonomous movement needs and using recovered energy to assist the APU, reducing fuel consumption by feeding back mechanical energy to the APU-driven first generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the APU generator is sized to supply the most consuming device (autonomous movement device), then the autonomous movement device can be powered adequately, but converters and energy storage devices are required for other devices, increasing mass and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into two separate generators: the first generator (driven by APU) supplies power to non-motor devices, while the second generator (coupled to wheels) is dedicated to the autonomous movement device. This segmentation eliminates the need for converters and energy storage devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining adequate power supply capability for each device category.
2Loss of energy
If energy generated by motors during speed reduction is stored in batteries or capacitors, then the energy can be reused, but significant mass penalty is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service energy recovery where the second generator, coupled to the wheels, directly generates electricity during braking or speed reduction. This recovered electrical energy is fed back to power the autonomous movement motors without requiring external energy storage devices like batteries or capacitors, achieving energy recovery while avoiding significant mass penalty.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the second generator operates as a motor to assist APU during energy recovery, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the system must handle bidirectional power flow
Solution Approach 1:
The second generator is designed with dynamic operational capability, able to function as either a generator or a motor depending on system conditions. During normal operation, it generates electricity from wheel motion; during energy recovery, it operates as a motor assisted by the APU. This dynamic flexibility enables fuel consumption reduction while the power electronics manage the bidirectional power flow control.
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 solution optimizes power usage by allowing the second generator to handle the autonomous movement device's power needs, reducing the APU's fuel consumption and eliminating the need for heavy energy storage, while enabling controlled ground speed management through the autonomous movement motors.
Implementation Method 1
the second generator being arranged in parallel with the first generator in order to be driven by the APU and, when it operates as a motor under the action of an energy restored by the autonomous movement device
Implementation Method 2
the aircraft comprising an auxiliary power unit or APU driving a first generator
Implementation Method 3
a thermal type auxiliary power unit or APU
Implementation Method 4
the motors of the autonomous movement device are likely to operate as a generator, for example in situations where the speed of the aircraft must be reduced. The energy thus generated is then reinjected into the motor supply network
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves using a first generator (8) for supplying power to an autonomous displacement device (4), where the first generator is arranged in parallel with a second generator (1) to be driven by an auxiliary power unit. Driving motors (5) of the first generator are operated under the action of energy output by the displacement device for assisting the auxiliary power unit to drive the second generator, where the motors are used for selectively driving wheels of an aircraft when propellers of the aircraft are not active. An independent claim is also included for a power generating assembly.