Aircraft Motor Controller Mode Switching for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The migration to electrically-driven hydraulic pumps in aircraft results in frequent fluctuations in output, leading to annoying whining noise for passengers due to the pumps' operation below maximum levels during normal flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a motor controller system that can switch among five preset modes corresponding to different aircraft operation modes, allowing for a generally constant output level and reducing the frequency of power fluctuations, and enabling motor controller redundancy through a switching device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the electric motor operates at variable output levels to match hydraulic demand, then energy efficiency is improved, but noise levels increase due to frequent cycling between high and low output settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor output not continuously but through discrete mode transitions (e.g., ground mode, cruise mode, takeoff mode) that anticipate demand changes. This dynamic adaptation reduces energy waste while limiting the frequency of transitions to prevent noise generation from rapid cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller anticipates changes in hydraulic demand based on aircraft operational mode and proactively adjusts motor output before actual demand occurs. For example, transitioning to a higher output mode in anticipation of upcoming hydraulic needs prevents the motor from cycling between low and high outputs, thereby reducing noise while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If the motor controller operates at high output levels continuously to meet peak demand, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases during normal flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The operational range of the motor controller is segmented into multiple discrete modes (e.g., ground mode, cruise mode, takeoff mode, thrust reverser mode) rather than operating as a single continuous range. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate output level for each operational phase, ensuring reliability during peak demand while conserving energy during normal flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the motor controller by transitioning between predefined output levels corresponding to different aircraft modes. This parameter change strategy ensures that the motor operates at high output only when necessary for reliability (e.g., during takeoff or thrust reverser operations) while reducing output during cruise to minimize energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor controller frequently adjusts output to match varying hydraulic demand, then adaptability is improved, but noise generation increases due to audible whining from rapid transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides adaptive response to changing hydraulic demand through discrete mode transitions rather than continuous adjustment. This dynamic approach allows the system to match demand adequately while limiting the frequency of transitions to avoid generating audible whining noise from rapid output changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system anticipates demand changes based on aircraft operational mode and adjusts output proactively before actual demand occurs. This preliminary action reduces the need for frequent reactive adjustments, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing noise generation from rapid transitions.
4Loss of energy
If the motor operates at reduced output during normal flight, then energy efficiency is improved, but the frequency of transitions between output levels increases causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The controller anticipates upcoming changes in hydraulic demand based on aircraft operational mode and proactively adjusts motor output before the actual demand occurs. This preliminary action allows the motor to operate at efficient output levels for extended periods without frequent transitions, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while reducing noise from whining caused by rapid output changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic output adjustment through discrete, anticipatory mode transitions rather than continuous or reactive adjustments. This dynamic strategy allows the motor to operate efficiently at reduced output during normal flight while minimizing the frequency of transitions to prevent audible whining noise.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling aircraft electrical power are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electric motor, an aircraft load coupled to the electric motor and powered by the electric motor, and a motor controller coupled to the electric motor to vary an output of the electric motor. The motor controller is changeable among a fixed number of preset controller modes, with individual controller modes corresponding to an operation mode of the aircraft and a non-zero output level of the electric motor. In further embodiments, motor controllers can be substituted for each other, e.g., in the event one motor controller becomes unoperational.