Removable Aircraft Battery Container for In-Flight Electrical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft rely on engine-driven generators for electrical power, which increases fuel consumption due to the need for continuous fuel burning, and are burdened by the weight of auxiliary power units and Ram Air Turbines, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight solution for electrical power provision.
Innovation Solution
A portable container equipped with rechargeable batteries and coupling circuitry that can be easily loaded and unloaded from an aircraft, providing a removable and adaptable power source that can be used during flight and recharged as needed, reducing the reliance on traditional engine-driven generators and auxiliary power units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If engine driven generators are used to generate electrical power during flight, then electrical power is provided for on-board electrical devices, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft electrical power system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: engine-driven generators for primary power, APU for backup and ground power, and RAT for emergency power. This segmentation allows the system to operate more efficiently by using smaller, more efficient generators during normal operation rather than relying on a single large generator that must be oversized to handle peak loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the electrical power system by introducing variable speed generators that can operate at optimal efficiency points across different power demand levels. The system dynamically adjusts generator output and switches between power sources based on real-time electrical load requirements, optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining reliable power supply.
2Reliability
If APU and RAT are carried for backup power, then reliability is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The APU and RAT systems are merged into a coordinated backup power architecture where the APU serves as the primary backup source during normal operations, and the RAT provides emergency backup only when the APU is unavailable. This merging allows the system to maintain high reliability while potentially reducing the size and weight of individual backup components compared to having all backup systems fully operational simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power system is made dynamic through automated control systems that continuously monitor the operational status of all power sources and automatically switch between them based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the APU and RAT, keeping them in standby mode when not needed and activating them only when required, thereby reducing their effective weight impact on the aircraft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of on-board electrical components is increased, then aircraft functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The engine-driven generators not only provide primary electrical power but also can charge auxiliary batteries and support ground operations. The APU serves both as a backup power source during flight and as a ground power source. This multi-functionality allows the system to support increased aircraft electronics without requiring proportionally more dedicated power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous electrical power supply through automated load management and power source switching that ensures uninterrupted operation of all electrical components. By maintaining continuous useful action without interruptions or power drops, the system can support a higher density of electrical components without the need for excessive power margins, as the power delivery is optimized and sustained continuously across all operational phases.
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 portable container system optimizes electrical power supply by reducing fuel consumption and aircraft weight, allowing for flexible power management and efficient use of existing aircraft compartments, while eliminating the need for emergency Ram Air Turbines.
Implementation Method 1
A portable container equipped with rechargeable batteries and coupling circuitry that can be easily loaded and unloaded from an aircraft, providing a removable and adaptable power source
Data Source
AI summary
A portable container for being loaded into and unloaded from a compartment of an aircraft, the portable container comprises a power source comprising one or more rechargeable batteries and coupling circuitry configured to electrically couple one or more of the rechargeable batteries to an electrical connector, and a housing comprising the power source, wherein the power source is operable to discharge one or more of the rechargeable batteries and transmit a discharge current via the electrical connector, and wherein the electrical connector comprises an interface portion operable to be physically connectable with a corresponding interface portion of another electrical connector to electrically couple the electrical connector to the another electrical connector.