Aircraft Electrical Architecture Mutualizing Converters for Engine Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft electrical systems face challenges in efficiently mutualizing converters for dissimilar loads, such as air-conditioning systems and engine start-up machines, due to varying energy consumption patterns and the need for dedicated converters that are oversized for the most power-hungry loads.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electrical architecture configures two converters to work together, with each converter having multiple inverters and a coupler to supply both air-conditioning systems and engine start-up machines, allowing for flexible power distribution and operation as both motors and generators to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated converters are implemented for each load, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated converters into a single mutualized converter that can serve multiple loads (air-conditioning systems and engine start machines) through configurable connection modes, reducing the total number of converters while maintaining reliability through flexible load management
2Device complexity
If converters are mutualized for multiple loads, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through configurable connection modes that allow the mutualized converter to be flexibly connected to different loads (first air-conditioning system, second air-conditioning system, first engine start machine, second engine start machine) based on operational requirements, ensuring both complexity reduction and load-specific adaptability
3Power
If converters are sized for the most power-hungry loads, then power is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by enabling the mutualized converter to operate at optimal capacity for each specific load rather than continuously operating at maximum capacity required for the most power-hungry load, reducing energy losses through more efficient partial-load operation
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 enables efficient mutualization of converters for dissimilar loads, reducing the need for oversized converters and allowing for flexible operation, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing power consumption during engine start-up and other aircraft operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first electric machine (24L) which starts up a first main engine (42L) of the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
The power converters receive energy from the on-board network to convert it into polyphase alternating energy that matches the power and frequency requirements of the load
Data Source
AI summary
An architecture for an aircraft comprises two air-conditioning systems, two converters, each intended to supply one of the air-conditioning systems, and at least one first electric machine which starts up a first main engine of the aircraft. The electrical architecture is configured such that the two converters can together supply the first electric machine. A method of operating the architecture is also provided.