Electric Aircraft Power Source Coolant Preconditioning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for electric aircraft power source preparation are insufficient for optimizing safe and efficient flight operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing ground service equipment with positive and negative pressure pumps to precondition the power source of an electric aircraft, controlled by a controller, which includes pumping coolant in and out based on user input and sensor feedback to manage temperature and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used for coolant management, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to efficiently manage both coolant injection and removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant management system is segmented into two independent pump functions: a positive pressure pump for injecting coolant into the power source and a negative pressure pump for removing coolant from the power source. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall coolant management efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular design.
2Temperature
If preconditioning is performed earlier in the process, then the power source reaches optimal temperature faster, but the charging process must be delayed until cooling is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the power source before charging begins, ensuring the power source reaches optimal temperature for charging. Following the charging process, preliminary cooling is initiated to remove excess heat. This preliminary action sequence optimizes charging efficiency by ensuring proper thermal conditions are met before charging starts.
3Temperature
If aggressive cooling is applied to rapidly remove excess heat, then the power source cools down faster, but thermal shock or condensation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is implemented as a periodic, controlled operation rather than continuous aggressive cooling. The negative pressure pump operates in cycles to gradually remove coolant and reduce temperature, allowing the power source to cool uniformly. This periodic approach prevents thermal shock and condensation by maintaining controlled temperature gradients throughout the cooling process.
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
Enhances the efficiency and safety of electric aircraft power source preparation by effectively controlling temperature and pressure, allowing for faster charging and optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a positive pressure pump configured to pump a coolant into the power source
Implementation Method 2
a negative pressure pump configured to reduce a pressure in the power source below a pressure of a surrounding environment of the power source to at least pump the coolant out of the power source
Implementation Method 3
for changing a temperature of the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for preconditioning a power source of an electric aircraft are disclosed. The system may include a ground service equipment, wherein the ground service equipment may be configured to precondition a power source of an electric aircraft. The ground service equipment may include a positive pressure pump configured to pump a coolant into the power source and a negative pressure pump configured to pump the coolant out of the power source. The system may include a controller communicatively connected to the ground service equipment. The controller may be configured to control the positive pressure pump and control the negative pressure pump.