Aircraft Power Bus Redundancy via Dynamic Module Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple and secure system to activate an increasing number of electrical equipment items of an aircraft engine and its environment without multiplying the links between the on-board network and the electrical equipment, as existing systems lack flexibility and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a direct current voltage supply bus with multiple power supply modules connected in parallel, each with a switching circuit and a control device that can activate backup modules in case of failure, allowing for centralized control and flexible allocation of power to electrical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate power supply lines are used to connect the on-board network to each electrical equipment item, then each equipment can be powered independently, but the number of connections increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply lines and equipment connections into a single bus bar structure. Multiple electrical equipment items are connected to common bus bars (positive and negative), which are then connected to the on-board network through a single connection point. This merging approach maintains independent power supply capability for each equipment while dramatically reducing the total number of connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a common connection point for multiple equipment items, provides distributed power supply, enables independent equipment activation, and reduces connection complexity. The single connection point to the on-board network serves as both a power input and a distribution hub for multiple equipment circuits.
2Reliability
If redundant backup modules are added to ensure continuous power supply, then system reliability improves, but the number of modules and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic module activation where backup modules remain inactive during normal operation and are automatically activated only when a primary module fails. The control device monitors the status of power supply modules and dynamically switches between active and backup configurations, ensuring continuous power supply without requiring all modules to be simultaneously active, thus reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Backup modules are pre-configured and positioned in the system but remain dormant until needed. The control device is pre-programmed with failure detection and module switching logic. When a primary module fails, the backup module is automatically commissioned without requiring manual intervention or system reconfiguration, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining a simple operational structure.
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 system ensures reliable and efficient power distribution to multiple electrical equipment items by providing redundancy and flexibility in power allocation, reducing the number of necessary connections and enhancing system security.
Implementation Method 1
each module comprising a voltage converter for supplying at the output of the module an alternating voltage from the direct voltage of the power supply bus
Data Source
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AI summary
A power supply and control system for electrical equipment of an aircraft engine or its environment, includes at least one DC electrical voltage power bus (40, 40'), at least one set (50) of power supply modules associated with a respective group (60) of electrical equipment, the modules (52) of the set being in greater number than the minimum number required for the activation of the electrical equipment (62) of the group so as to provide at least one backup module (52s), each module having a voltage converter (53) to provide at the output of the module an alternating voltage from the DC voltage of the power supply bus, and a switching circuit (70) inserted between the outputs of the modules of the set of modules and the equipment of the group of equipment.The modules (52) and the switching circuit (70) are controlled to activate each piece of equipment (62) in the group of equipment by connecting it to at least one of the modules (52), with a backup module being put into operation in the event of failure of one of the other modules.