Aircraft Electrical System Segmentation for Supplemental Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Specialized aircraft require additional electrical capacity to support unique mission-specific equipment, which necessitates a specialized electrical system architecture different from baseline systems, necessitating separate certification by authorities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrical system with an electric starter generator that operates as both a motor and a generator, providing supplemental power to independent power busses, allowing for increased generating capacity without altering the baseline system architecture, and enabling the retention of already-certified electrical systems to simplify certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a specialized electrical system architecture is implemented to accommodate additional mission-specific equipment, then the electrical generating capacity is increased, but the certification process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is divided into two independent power buses: a baseline power bus that maintains the original certified system architecture, and a supplemental power bus that accommodates additional mission-specific equipment. This segmentation allows the baseline system to retain its certification while the supplemental system provides additional capacity without requiring recertification of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric starter generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a motor to start the engine and as a generator to supply electricity to the supplemental power bus. This multi-functionality increases electrical generating capacity without adding separate dedicated components, thereby avoiding increased system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized electrical system with different architecture is implemented, then additional electrical loads can be supported, but the already-certified baseline system cannot be retained
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is segmented into independent baseline and supplemental power buses. The baseline power bus maintains the original certified architecture and continues to support baseline electric loads with its proven reliability. The supplemental power bus independently supports additional mission-specific loads, providing adaptability without compromising the certification status of the baseline system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the baseline power bus is modified to accommodate supplemental loads, then additional equipment can be powered, but the independence and reliability of the baseline system is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into separate baseline and supplemental power buses. The baseline power bus remains independent and unmodified, preserving the integrity and reliability of the certified system. The supplemental power bus is independently configured to accommodate additional loads, providing power distribution flexibility without affecting the baseline system's reliability.
4Reliability
If separate certification of the specialized electrical system is conducted, then the additional equipment can be safely operated, but the time and resources required for certification increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system is segmented such that the baseline power bus maintains its existing certification, eliminating the need for time-consuming recertification. The supplemental power bus, being independent and adding capacity rather than modifying the certified system, can be certified more efficiently as an additive component rather than a fundamental system change.
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 enhances the electrical generating capacity of specialized aircraft, improves engine starting control, and reduces certification efforts by maintaining the baseline system architecture while accommodating additional loads.
Implementation Method 1
an electric starter generator operatively coupled to the engine, the electric starter generator being configured to operate as a motor to start the engine and to operate as a generator when driven by the engine
Implementation Method 2
an electric generator operatively coupled to an engine of the aircraft... the electric generator supplying electricity to the baseline power bus when the electric generator is driven by the engine
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods associated with electrical systems of aircraft are disclosed. A method disclosed herein comprises generating electricity using an electric generator operatively coupled to an engine of the aircraft, supplying the electricity generated using the electric generator to a baseline power bus; generating electricity using an electric starter generator operatively coupled to the engine; and supplying the electricity generated using the electric starter generator to a supplemental power bus independent from the baseline power bus.