Integrated Aircraft Power Conditioning Unit for Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft power conditioning systems are inefficient due to their size, weight, and complexity, particularly in supporting autonomous unmanned aircraft, as they require separate voltage and frequency conversions, and lack integration for efficient engine startup and emergency operations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power conditioning unit with a DC bus, bi-directional AC-DC converters, and a single control module that allows for flexible power flow between AC and DC systems, enabling power supplementation from ground carts and reducing the need for separate control modules and wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate voltage and frequency conversion systems are used, then power conversion flexibility is achieved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power conversion functions (AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, voltage regulation, frequency conversion) into a single integrated power conversion system. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and wiring that would otherwise be required for separate systems, directly reducing system weight while maintaining the ability to perform multiple power conversion operations simultaneously or sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power conversion system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert AC to DC, DC to AC, regulate voltages at different levels, and perform frequency conversions. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized systems, achieving weight reduction without sacrificing power conversion flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control modules are used for different power conversion functions, then functional independence is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single control module that manages AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, voltage regulation, and frequency conversion operations. This unified control approach eliminates the need for multiple separate control modules and their associated wiring, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each power conversion function through software or logic within the single controller.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added to permit AC ground cart to assist in main engine startup, then power supplementation capability is achieved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power conversion system is designed to universally accept multiple power sources (onboard batteries and external AC ground carts) and convert them to the required DC or AC outputs for various aircraft systems. This universal design allows the system to handle engine startup, ground operations, and flight operations with a single configuration, eliminating the need for additional specialized circuitry while achieving full power supplementation capability.
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 weight and complexity of the power system by allowing onboard batteries to be sized appropriately, enabling efficient power distribution during normal, emergency, and engine startup operations, while minimizing the need for additional circuitry and wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a first inverter circuit providing bi-directional AC-DC conversion between a first AC power signal and a first DC power signal, and a converter assembly providing bi-directional AC-DC conversion between a second AC power signal and a second DC power signal
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated power conditioning unit includes a DC bus, a first terminal for connection to first AC equipment, a second terminal for connection to second AC equipment, a first inverter circuit providing bi-directional AC-DC conversion between a first AC power signal and a first DC power signal, and a converter assembly providing bi-directional AC-DC conversion between a second AC power signal and a second DC power signal. A control module controls the first inverter circuit such that the first DC power signal may flow from/to the DC bus and the first AC power signal may flow from/to the first terminal. The control module also controls the converter assembly such that the second AC signal power signal may flow from/to the second terminal and the second DC power signal may flow from/to the DC bus.