Aircraft Electric Brake Power Conversion Using DC-DC Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electric brake systems rely on cumbersome, heavy, and expensive transformer rectifier units for power conversion, which consume high energy, generate excessive heat, and lack efficient power regulation and control.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft electric power conversion and distribution system that integrates DC-DC converters and a controller to selectively enable/disenable converters, eliminating the need for transformer rectifier units, providing compact, lightweight, and efficient power generation and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transformer rectifier units are used for power conversion, then high voltage DC power can be generated for brake actuators, but the system becomes cumbersome, heavy, expensive, and consumes significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transformer rectifier unit with an electronic power conversion system using solid-state components. The system uses a DC-DC converter circuit with switching elements (MOSFETs or IGBTs), diodes, and control electronics to convert 115V AC to high voltage DC, eliminating the need for heavy magnetic transformers and rectifier assemblies while maintaining the required power output capability.
2Power
If transformer rectifier units are used for power conversion, then high voltage DC power can be generated for brake actuators, but the system consumes significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transformer rectifier unit with an electronic power conversion system using solid-state components. The system uses a DC-DC converter circuit with switching elements (MOSFETs or IGBTs), diodes, and control electronics to convert 115V AC to high voltage DC, eliminating the need for heavy magnetic transformers and rectifier assemblies while maintaining the required power output capability.
3Power
If transformer rectifier units are used for power conversion, then power can be converted to high level DC voltage, but the system generates excessive heat and lacks efficient power regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transformer rectifier unit with an electronic power conversion system using solid-state components. The system uses a DC-DC converter circuit with switching elements (MOSFETs or IGBTs), diodes, and control electronics to convert 115V AC to high voltage DC, eliminating the need for heavy magnetic transformers and rectifier assemblies while maintaining the required power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors the output voltage and current of the DC-DC converter and adjusts the switching duty cycle accordingly. This feedback control enables precise regulation of the high voltage DC output, maintains optimal operating conditions, and prevents excessive heat generation by adjusting power delivery based on actual brake actuator requirements.
4Power
If transformer rectifier units are used for power conversion, then high voltage DC power can be generated, but the system is not easily given to regulation and control of power and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors the output voltage and current of the DC-DC converter and adjusts the switching duty cycle accordingly. This feedback control enables precise regulation of the high voltage DC output, maintains optimal operating conditions, and prevents excessive heat generation by adjusting power delivery based on actual brake actuator requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic switching control system that can rapidly adjust the power conversion characteristics in response to changing brake actuator demands. The control electronics modulate the switching frequency and duty cycle of the DC-DC converter, enabling real-time adaptation of power output levels and improving overall system responsiveness and controllability.
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 reduces thermal effects and power demands, enhances operational efficiency, and adapts to various voltage needs, offering a more efficient and cost-effective power conversion system for aircraft electric brake systems.
Implementation Method 1
an array of DC-DC converters connected to said DC power source
Data Source
AI summary
An electric brake power conversion and distribution system for use in aircraft is provided. An array of DC-DC converters is interposed between a DC power source and a plurality of aircraft electric brake actuators. Each of the DC-DC converters has a characteristic output voltage. The DC-DC converters are interconnected in an additive series of connections to provide an output voltage to the plurality of aircraft electric brake actuators that comprises the sum of the characteristic voltages of the DC-DC converters that are enabled at a particular point in time. A controller manipulates an array of switches interconnected with the array of DC-DC converts, such that the controller can selectively enable or inhibit selected ones of the DC-DC converters, as desired. Accordingly different voltages can be made available for the electric brake actuators depending upon aircraft activity, such as landing, taxiing, parking, or in flight. The invention reduces the size, weight, cost, and associated heat buildup of prior power conversion and distribution systems.