Aircraft Fleet Energy Module Allocation for Flight Demand Peaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing power demand during flight operations and optimizing the use of replaceable energy modules to minimize replacement frequency.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with interchangeable energy modules and an energy management module that controls power distribution based on demand, allowing power sharing between modules and predicting cumulative flight demands to reduce the number of modules replaced between operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power distribution systems use fixed power sources, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying power demands during flight operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple independent power sources (primary power source, supplemental power sources, and dischargeable power sources) that can be selectively activated. Each power source operates independently and can be engaged or disengaged based on real-time power demands, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management module dynamically adjusts power distribution by selectively engaging supplemental and dischargeable power sources based on real-time power demands. The system transitions from static power allocation to dynamic power management, where power sources are activated or deactivated according to flight phase and load requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dischargeable power sources are used to meet peak power demands, then power supply flexibility is improved, but the frequency of energy module replacements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of cumulative flight operation power demands before depleting dischargeable power sources. By predicting future power requirements and comparing them with available dischargeable power capacity, the system proactively manages energy module usage to ensure they are not depleted before replacement opportunities arise, thereby reducing unnecessary replacements and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management module continuously monitors the state of dischargeable power sources and compares actual power consumption against estimated cumulative demands. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust power distribution strategies in real-time, optimizing the use of dischargeable energy modules and minimizing replacement frequency by ensuring they are utilized fully but not excessively.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy modules are depleted to meet cumulative flight demands, then power utilization efficiency is improved, but the risk of power shortage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system estimates cumulative flight operation power demands in advance and uses this information to guide the depletion strategy of dischargeable power sources. By knowing the anticipated total power requirements before complete depletion occurs, the system can plan replacements proactively, ensuring that power sources are replaced at optimal moments rather than risking complete depletion that would lead to power shortages.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management module maintains a buffer by monitoring the relationship between remaining dischargeable power and estimated cumulative demands. When the remaining capacity approaches the estimated requirement, the system prepares for replacement in advance, creating a safety cushion that prevents complete depletion and ensures continuous reliable power supply without compromising energy utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy management system and method of operating the energy management, which include estimating an energy demand for flight plans for a fleet of aircraft. The flight plans are received from a flight plan database. The system is configured to determine whether a set of dischargeable energy modules are locatable at a respective location of a subset of the fleet of aircraft based at least in part on a replaceable power source inventory database or the subset of the plurality of flight plans. The system is configured to generate a power source inventory distribution plan allocating a subset of dischargeable energy modules for the subset of the plurality of flight plans for the fleet of aircraft based at least in part on the determination that the set of dischargeable energy modules are locatable at the respective location of the subset of the fleet of aircraft.