Aircraft Power Distribution via Segmented Constant Frequency Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems in aircraft face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for converters in variable frequency networks and multiple power conversions in direct voltage networks, leading to energy losses, weight, and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution device utilizing cascade generators and frequency converters to provide alternating voltage of constant amplitude and frequency, eliminating the need for multiple conversions and incorporating fuel cells for flexible power adjustment, reducing energy losses and weight while simplifying the network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If variable frequency generators (VFGs) are used to replace IDGs, then the expense of the IDG is saved, but converters are required which increase cost, weight, and technical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent network types (constant frequency AC network, variable frequency AC network, and direct voltage network), each serving specific loads. This allows the system to eliminate IDGs while maintaining constant frequency for certain loads through a separate network, rather than requiring converters for all loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal power distribution architecture that can accommodate multiple generator types (IDGs and VFGs) and multiple network types simultaneously. This multi-functional system allows flexible configuration where constant frequency loads connect to the constant frequency network and variable frequency loads connect to the variable frequency network, eliminating the need for converters while maintaining compatibility with both generator types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If converters are used in variable frequency networks, then variable frequency operation is enabled, but efficiency is reduced and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments loads into constant frequency loads and variable frequency loads, connecting them to respective dedicated networks. This eliminates the need for converters for constant frequency loads, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing energy losses while still enabling variable frequency operation for loads that require it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-network architecture acting as an intermediary between generators and loads. The constant frequency AC network serves as a mediator for loads requiring constant frequency, while the variable frequency AC network serves loads requiring variable frequency operation, eliminating the need for converters as intermediaries and improving efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power conversion is used in direct voltage networks, then power distribution flexibility is achieved, but additional energy losses occur and technical outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multiple power conversion stage from the direct voltage network by implementing a separate constant frequency AC network. This eliminates the need for rectification and subsequent inversion operations, reducing technical outlay and energy losses while maintaining power distribution flexibility through the multi-network architecture.
4Ease of operation
If complex switching elements are used to suppress arcing in direct voltage networks, then switching operations can be performed, but initial and service costs increase and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct voltage network with complex arc-suppressing switching elements with an electromagnetic AC network. The AC network inherently suppresses arcing through its natural electromagnetic characteristics, eliminating the need for heavy, complex switching elements and reducing both weight and cost while maintaining switching operational 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 energy losses, minimizes weight and costs, and enhances power utilization by using a single alternating voltage network with constant frequency, allowing for efficient adaptation to load requirements and reduced complexity in aircraft power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
a respective cascade generator for converting a first part of a mechanical power provided into a first electrical power with an alternating voltage of constant amplitude and constant frequency
Implementation Method 2
a respective frequency converter for providing a second electrical power with the alternating voltage of constant amplitude and constant frequency as a function of a second part of the mechanical power provided
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution device has a number N1 of conversion devices comprising a respective cascade generator for converting a first part of a mechanical power into a first electrical power with an alternating voltage of constant amplitude and constant frequency, and comprising a respective frequency converter for supplying a second electrical power with the alternating voltage of constant amplitude and constant frequency as a function of a second part of the mechanical power; a number N2 of constant frequency buses for the respective transfer of the electrical power of constant frequency supplied by the at least one conversion device to a number N3 of loads which comprises at least a number N4 of loads to be controlled in terms of their power consumption; and a number N4 of control devices, wherein the respective control device is coupled between the respective load to be controlled and the constant frequency bus and is designed to control the power consumption of the load to be controlled.