Aircraft Electrical Network Bidirectional Converter Generator Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical networks face challenges in maintaining power supply without interruptions during generator changes, particularly when switching between different generators, and require filters to manage varying power quality from ground power units, leading to increased weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical network architecture with a bidirectional converter system that allows seamless power transfer between generators without dedicated rectifiers, using a common rectifier and bidirectional converters to synchronize and adjust voltage and frequency, enabling cutoff-free operation and harmonic compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters are added to manage varying power quality from ground power units, then power quality compliance is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground power unit interface and disturbance management functions into the existing rectifier that converts AC to DC for the aircraft's electrical system. By merging these functions, the system achieves power quality compliance without adding separate heavy filter equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier is designed to perform multiple functions: it rectifies AC power from various generators, manages disturbance rejection, and interfaces with different ground power units. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated filter equipment for each function, reducing overall system weight while maintaining power quality compliance.
2Reliability
If synchronization and voltage adaptation control is implemented during generator changes, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier acts as an intermediary between multiple AC generators and the DC bus system. It receives AC power from different generators with varying voltages and frequencies, performs rectification and disturbance rejection, and delivers stable DC power. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex synchronization controls between generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical synchronization mechanisms with an electronic rectification process. Instead of mechanically synchronizing generators before connection, the system uses electronic rectifiers that can handle varying AC inputs and convert them to stable DC output, significantly reducing control system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated rectifier is assigned to each generator, then generator compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier is designed as a universal interface that can accept AC power from multiple different generator types (main generators, auxiliary power unit, ground power units) with diverse voltages and frequencies. This single multi-functional rectifier replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated rectifiers, reducing system complexity while maintaining full generator compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier system is designed to dynamically adapt to different generator inputs. It can switch between different AC sources and adjust its operation to accommodate varying voltage and frequency characteristics, providing universal compatibility without requiring dedicated rectifiers for each generator type.
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 uninterrupted power supply during generator changes, reduces the need for heavy filters, and allows for efficient operation with diverse voltage and frequency sources, minimizing weight and complexity while maintaining compliance with standards.
Implementation Method 1
The craft generally employs a rectifier making it possible to provide a DC voltage from the AC bus to a high-voltage DC bus
Implementation Method 2
An electrical network architecture with a bidirectional converter system that allows seamless power transfer between generators without dedicated rectifiers
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical network of an aircraft and a method of operation comprises: an AC bus, a DC bus, a rectifier providing a DC voltage to the DC bus with the help of the AC bus, a plurality of bidirectional converters comprising two linkup points, each bidirectional converter being linked up at its first linkup point to the DC bus and being able to be linked up at its second linkup point to a load of the aircraft so as to power it, the network being able to be linked up to at least two generators each capable of delivering the AC voltage to the AC bus by the rectifier. At least one link links up at least one of the generators to the second linkup point of at least one of the bidirectional converters. The network can change generator with no cutoff and with no particular synchronization of the generators.