Aircraft Power Converter Control for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in electric aircraft do not effectively maximize the efficiency of power converters, as they often operate outside their optimal efficiency window due to inadequate management of on-board batteries.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a battery pack with a battery monitoring component, a battery management component, and electric power converters, where an interlock component enables or disables these components based on battery data to maintain optimal operating conditions, adjusting the number of enabled power converters to ensure efficient operation within a specific voltage threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number of enabled power converters is increased to handle higher power demands, then the power output capacity is improved, but the overall system efficiency deteriorates because converters operate outside their optimal efficiency window
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of enabled power converters based on real-time battery pack voltage conditions. When voltage sags occur, the controller enables additional converters to share the load and maintain efficiency. When voltage is sufficient, fewer converters are enabled to reduce complexity and potential failure points. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between power capacity needs and efficiency optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of power converters by adjusting their enable/disable states based on battery voltage thresholds. The controller monitors battery pack voltage and compares it against predetermined thresholds, then modifies the number of active converters accordingly. This parameter change strategy ensures converters operate within their optimal efficiency window while meeting power demands.
2Loss of energy
If battery voltage sags are allowed to persist to maintain converter efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but voltage stability deteriorates affecting component operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors battery pack voltage and adjusts the number of enabled power converters based on voltage threshold comparisons. When voltage sags below the threshold, the controller enables additional converters to share the load, which stabilizes the voltage by reducing the burden on individual converters. This closed-loop feedback ensures voltage stability is maintained while minimizing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by enabling additional power converters before voltage instability severely impacts component operation. The controller is configured with predetermined voltage thresholds that trigger converter enablement in advance, preventing voltage sag from reaching critical levels. This proactive approach maintains both voltage stability and converter efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the number of enabled power converters is increased to stabilize voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic configuration where the number of enabled power converters is adjusted in real-time based on battery voltage conditions. Rather than maintaining a fixed complex configuration, the system activates only the necessary number of converters at any given moment. This dynamic approach simplifies the operational complexity by having a clear enable/disable logic based on voltage thresholds, while still providing voltage stability when needed.
4Power
If power converters are operated at high load to maximize power output, then power delivery is improved, but converter efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power delivery function across multiple power converters rather than relying on a single converter operating at high load. When power demand increases or battery voltage sags, the controller enables additional converters to share the total power delivery requirement. This segmentation allows each individual converter to operate at moderate, efficient load levels while collectively meeting high power demands, thus maintaining both power delivery capacity and converter efficiency.
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 that electric power converters operate within their peak efficiency window, enhancing overall power management and distribution efficiency in electric aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
each electric power converter converts an input at a first voltage level to an output at a second voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
A system for aircraft power management and distribution, including a sensor suite configured to measure battery pack data. The system includes a battery pack with a plurality of batteries and a battery monitoring component. This battery monitoring component is configured to measure battery pack data. The system also has electric power converters, each connected to a battery of the plurality of batteries. The system also includes a controller configured to control each electric power converter; receive an estimated charge from each battery; select and enable electric power converters based on the estimated charge; compare the total output of the enabled electric power converters against an optimal operating region; and adjust the number of the one or more enabled electric power converters accordingly.