Hybrid Electric Engine Battery Dispatch by Flight Waypoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric engines face inefficiencies in power distribution and battery management during different flight stages, leading to inefficiencies in fuel and electric power usage, and the need for additional power systems like RATs, which increase aircraft weight.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and controller system manage battery usage and charging based on flight plans and real-time data, optimizing electric power application and reserve levels to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on auxiliary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery power is used during high-thrust flight stages (takeoff, climb), then electric power consumption increases, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power source selection based on flight stage and battery state of charge. The controller monitors flight conditions and automatically transitions between electric and fuel power sources to optimize fuel efficiency while meeting power demands at different flight phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the threshold state of charge values for different flight stages. The controller modifies power distribution strategies based on flight phase (takeoff, climb, cruise, descent) to balance fuel efficiency with adequate electric power availability.
2Power
If battery capacity is increased to provide power during all flight stages, then electric power availability improves, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery is segmented by flight stage, with electric power primarily allocated to low-thrust phases (taxi, cruise, descent) and fuel power reserved for high-thrust phases (takeoff, climb). This segmentation allows adequate electric power availability during appropriate stages without requiring excessive battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial electric power action during flight stages where full power is not required. By providing electric power during taxi, cruise, and descent stages rather than all flight stages, the system achieves sufficient electric power availability while minimizing battery size and weight.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric power is used during low-thrust flight stages (taxi, cruise, descent), then fuel efficiency improves, but battery state of charge decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors battery state of charge and provides feedback to adjust power distribution. When state of charge drops below thresholds during flight stages, the system automatically transitions to fuel power or adjusts electric power demand to maintain adequate charge levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging during flight stages where excess power is available, such as using fuel generator power to recharge batteries during cruise or descent phases before entering high-thrust phases that require electric power.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method for managing battery usage for a hybrid electric engine of an aircraft. The method includes receiving a flight plan comprising flight plan data for a flight of an aircraft. The method further includes receiving battery data about a battery system of the aircraft. The method further includes determining waypoints for when to apply electric power from the battery system based at least in part on the flight plan data and the battery data. The method further includes controlling, based at least in part on the waypoints, an electric motor while the flight plan is executed. The method further includes updating, while the flight plan is executed, the waypoints based at least in part on data received during the flight.