Aircraft Electrical Load Management Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft secondary power management systems lack dynamic and real-time electrical load management capabilities, leading to potential overload conditions and inflexible power distribution, especially with the transition from pneumatic to electrical power in new architectures like the 787 aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrical load management control system that continuously monitors and controls electrical power generation and distribution, using algorithms to predict and manage power loads, reduce primary load system power, and shed secondary loads to prevent overloads, allowing for proportional and progressive power adjustments to maintain threshold limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional discrete (on/off) electrical load management is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but dynamic real-time load management capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load management by continuously monitoring electrical power consumption in real-time and automatically adjusting load distribution based on current system conditions. The system transitions from static discrete on/off control to dynamic continuous adjustment, enabling the load management system to adapt to changing power availability and demand conditions while maintaining system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor electrical power consumption, generator output, and load conditions. This feedback is used to automatically adjust load distribution and shedding decisions in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that responds dynamically to changing conditions without requiring complex manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power loads are increased in new architectures like 787, then pneumatic power extraction is eliminated, but electrical power management complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electrical power management system that can handle multiple types of loads (primary and secondary), various generator configurations, and different operating conditions through a single integrated control architecture. This multi-functional system manages diverse electrical loads using unified principles of continuous monitoring and proportional load reduction, eliminating the need for separate management systems for different load types
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including load distribution ratios, power extraction limits, and shedding thresholds based on real-time monitoring of generator capacity, electrical demand, and system conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize performance across varying operating conditions without increasing fundamental system complexity
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring and proportional load reduction is implemented, then overload prevention is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of power consumption trends and load conditions to predict potential overload situations before they occur. By continuously tracking electrical parameters and identifying approaching threshold conditions, the system can proactively implement load reduction measures in advance, preventing overloads before they compromise system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The load management system operates autonomously by automatically monitoring its own system conditions, assessing power availability, and implementing load shedding decisions without external intervention. This self-service capability maintains high reliability through continuous automated oversight while avoiding the complexity of external control systems or manual management procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is used to provide dynamic electrical power management which may minimize the potential for overload conditions and may ensure that system performance limits are maintained. The method may dynamically limit the primary load system power draw in response to the net power draw of all other electrical power users on the aircraft which may ensure that the total power levels remain below critical limits. The method may also provide predictive controls to handle rapid load transients. Additionally, if vital functions are not being met, the method may shed other selected aircraft electrical loads which may ensure that adequate power is provided to the primary load system.