Aircraft Power Converter Control for Engine Instability Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aeronautical industry faces challenges in reducing emissions, managing electrical energy instabilities during transient phases, optimizing energy distribution, and addressing overvoltages in aircraft electrical power systems, while also dealing with inefficiencies in energy supply to non-propulsive loads and battery charge management.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing an electrical power supply system using a bidirectional converter and control module to optimize active and reactive power transfers, support mechanical drive systems during instabilities, and regulate network voltage, allowing for efficient energy storage and converter use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If ultra-high bypass ratio jet engines are used to reduce emissions, then fuel consumption is reduced, but engine instability increases in certain phases of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical energy storage set as an intermediary component between the jet engine and the electrical loads. This mediator absorbs electrical energy during engine instability phases, preventing the instability from propagating through the electrical system while allowing the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points for emission reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing active electrical energy storage and retrieval capabilities. The system dynamically adjusts energy flow parameters based on engine operating conditions, allowing the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points while the electrical storage system compensates for instability, thus resolving the contradiction between emission reduction and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical energy storage sets are added to the aircraft power supply system, then energy management flexibility improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage set is designed to perform multiple functions: providing electrical energy during engine instability, absorbing excess energy during high-power phases, and supporting electrical loads during descent. This multi-functionality achieves energy management flexibility without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single component handles diverse operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical converters are installed for electrical start-up of heat engines, then start-up capability improves, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage set serves dual purposes: it provides electrical energy for engine start-up operations and simultaneously manages electrical energy during flight phases. This eliminates the need for dedicated start-up converters, achieving start-up capability while minimizing weight increase through multi-functional design.
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 method enables deterministic power management, reduces the dimensioning of electrical components, supports network stability, and enhances energy efficiency by hybridizing propulsion, reducing emissions and component weight.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional converter configured to convert DC voltage into AC voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrical machine supplying AC current by mechanical draw on a drive system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing operation of an aircraft system comprising at least one electrical energy storage set to be supplied with DC current connected to a DC current power supply bus, at least one electrical machine providing AC current by mechanical draw on a drive system connected to a current generation control unit, a bidirectional converter configured to convert a DC voltage into AC voltage, and a control module of the converter, the management method generating a command for the converter from the angular position (θ) of the electrical machine, from the intensity of the electrical current delivered by the electrical machine, and from the output electrical voltage of the converter.