Aircraft Power System with Bidirectional Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft power systems face inefficiencies due to the need for high-rated, large, and heavy generators to handle power spikes, and the use of redundant batteries that increase weight and reduce payload capacity, while also dissipating regenerated kinetic energy as heat.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transferring power between an energy storage device and a power system, utilizing a processor to determine and compare power requirements, and employing bidirectional up/down converters to manage power flow between energy storage devices and the power system, thereby reducing the load on generators and utilizing kinetic energy regeneration efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-rated generator is used to handle power spikes, then the power system can supply large amounts of power during spikes, but the generator becomes more expensive, larger, and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the generator with an energy storage device (battery) to form a hybrid power system. The battery handles peak power demands and spikes, while the generator provides baseline power, allowing the generator to be downsized while maintaining peak power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between generator power and battery power based on real-time power demands. During normal operation, the battery supplements or replaces generator output, and during spikes, the battery provides immediate high power while the generator ramps up, optimizing the generator's utilization.
2Reliability
If two redundant batteries are used for backup power, then the system maintains operational continuity, but the overall weight increases and payload capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device performs multiple functions: it serves as a backup power source, a peak power supplement, a regulator for power quality, and a means for recovering regenerative braking energy. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate redundant battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers kinetic energy during regenerative braking and stores it in the energy storage device, converting what would be wasted energy into useful stored energy that can be reused, thereby reducing the need for additional battery capacity.
3Loss of energy
If resistors are used to dissipate regenerated kinetic energy, then the kinetic energy from actuator de-acceleration is managed, but heat is created that causes cooling system problems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dissipating regenerative kinetic energy as waste heat through resistors, the system captures this energy and stores it in the energy storage device, converting a harmful thermal byproduct into a useful energy resource that can be reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal dissipation mechanism (resistors converting kinetic energy to heat) with an electrochemical storage mechanism (battery converting kinetic energy to electrical energy for storage), eliminating the heat generation problem entirely.
4Device complexity
If conventional aircraft power systems are used without energy storage integration, then the system structure is simpler, but the overall system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors power demands, generator output, and battery state of charge, dynamically adjusting the power flow between components to optimize efficiency while maintaining system stability and reliability.
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 reduces the peak power demand on generators, optimizes energy storage, and eliminates the need for heat-dissipating resistors, resulting in a more efficient, lighter, and cost-effective aircraft power system that can handle power fluctuations and regenerate kinetic energy.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device in an electrical accumulator unit (EAU)
Implementation Method 2
The de-acceleration of an actuator generates kinetic energy which is converted to electrical energy by the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transferring power in an aircraft between an energy storage device and a power system. The method includes determining an amount of power required by the power system, determining a predetermined amount of power from a generator, comparing the power required by the power system to the predetermined power of the generator, and transferring power to the energy storage device from the power system or to the power system from the energy storage device based on the comparing.