Aircraft Bus Conditioner for Constant Engine Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced aircraft power systems face stress and reduced reliability due to dynamic, bi-directional load profiles, particularly in high-speed and high-maneuverability fighter air vehicles, leading to power quality issues and engine inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft bus conditioner with bi-directional power converters and energy storage devices (such as batteries and capacitors) that maintain a substantially constant load on the engine-driven electric generator by storing energy during low demand and providing it during high demand, smoothing the power draw and increasing engine efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic, bi-directional load profiles are used in advanced aircraft power systems, then system versatility and electrical subsystem efficiency are improved, but power quality issues and engine inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bus conditioner as an intermediary device between the power generation device and the electrical loads. This bus conditioner includes energy storage devices (capacitors, batteries) that mediate the power flow, absorbing power quality disturbances and preventing them from propagating through the system, thereby maintaining both versatility and power quality
Solution Approach 2:
The bus conditioner incorporates control systems that continuously monitor power quality parameters and load conditions, providing feedback to adjust energy storage device operation. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain stable power quality while adapting to varying load profiles and system configurations
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine-driven generators operate with variable loads to match electrical demand, then electrical subsystem efficiency is improved, but engine efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage devices in the bus conditioner perform preliminary action by charging during periods of low electrical demand when the engine operates efficiently. This stored energy is then discharged during high demand periods, preventing the engine from operating in inefficient variable load conditions while still meeting electrical subsystem efficiency requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers excess energy generated during low-demand periods by storing it in the energy storage devices rather than allowing the engine to operate at inefficient load levels. This recovering mechanism eliminates energy waste while maintaining electrical subsystem efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If more energy storage device technologies are combined to meet operational requirements, then power and energy requirements are satisfied, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bus conditioner segments the energy storage function into multiple specialized devices (capacitors for high-power transient response, batteries for high-energy sustained supply). Each device is optimized for its specific function, and the segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each component while meeting overall system requirements
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 bus conditioner stabilizes power draw on the engine, reducing stress on the power system, enhancing engine efficiency, and improving overall system reliability by maintaining a constant load, thus supporting system upgrades without overburdening existing power systems.
Implementation Method 1
A bus conditioner for an aircraft power system includes at least one energy storage device (ESD), and a bi-directional power converter (e.g., an inverter or other power converter) electrically connected to the at least one ESD
Data Source
AI summary
A bus conditioner for an electrical power system having at least one bus couplable to an electric power generation device driven by a prime mover includes a first energy storage device, a bi-directional power converter including a first converter input electrically connected to the first energy storage device and a converter output for connection to the bus, and a controller operatively coupled to the bi-directional power converter. The controller is configured to maintain a substantially constant load on the power generation device by commanding the power converter to divert excess power into the first energy storage device or use energy from the first storage device to provide power to the bus.