Decentralized Aircraft Power Distribution via Segmented Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical power distribution systems in aircraft are heavy due to thick wiring and increased lightning threats, particularly in composite-based aircraft, as they require significant insulation and protection for high fault currents, leading to weight and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized electrical power distribution system that converts high voltage AC (HVAC) power into medium voltage AC (MVAC) and low voltage DC (LVDC) power using generators, primary power panels, and distribution conversion units located throughout the aircraft, with thinner HVAC distribution feeder lines connecting these units, reducing weight and lightning risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thick wiring is used for feeders between conversion equipment and loads, then wire protection capacity and current carrying capability are improved, but aircraft weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized conversion equipment into multiple distributed conversion units located throughout the aircraft. Each unit serves a local region, segmenting the power distribution system into smaller zones. This segmentation allows use of thinner feeder wires within each zone while maintaining adequate protection capacity, as each unit handles only its local load rather than the entire aircraft's power demand.
2Reliability
If thicker feeder wires are used, then fault current protection is improved, but lightning threat increases due to lower impedance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power distribution into multiple small distributed units rather than one large centralized system, each unit presents a smaller target and higher impedance path to lightning strikes. The distributed architecture reduces the overall vulnerability to lightning threats compared to a single large feeder system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feeder wires are routed from the EE bay throughout the aircraft, then power distribution coverage is improved, but wire length and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places conversion units at multiple locations throughout the aircraft rather than concentrating them in one EE bay. This spatial segmentation allows power to be converted locally at each distribution point, eliminating the need for long feeder wires to route power across the entire aircraft length. Each local unit serves its nearby loads with short connection wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local power conversion at distributed units positioned near different aircraft regions. Each location receives HVAC power locally and converts it to MVAC and LVDC as needed, providing locally-adapted power quality without requiring long-distance wire runs from a centralized source.
4Device complexity
If centralized conversion equipment is located in the EE bay, then system management is simplified, but feeder wire requirements increase weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conversion function into multiple distributed units rather than one centralized system. While this increases the number of conversion components, each unit is standardized and can be managed through a distributed control system, balancing the trade-off between physical distribution and management complexity.
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
The system achieves a lighter, more compact power distribution with reduced weight and lightning threats by using thinner feeder lines and decentralized conversion, improving power quality and simplifying installation and testing, while minimizing the need for shielding and support hardware.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of distribution conversion units convert the HVAC power from the primary power panel into medium voltage AC (MVAC) power and low voltage DC (LVDC) power
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power distribution system for converting and distributing electrical power to local loads within a vehicle is disclosed. The electrical power distribution system includes at least one generator providing high voltage AC (HVAC) power, a primary power panel for receiving the HVAC power from the generator, and a plurality of distribution conversion units located throughout the vehicle. The plurality of distribution conversion units convert the HVAC power from the primary power panel into medium voltage AC (MVAC) power and low voltage DC (LVDC) power for consumption by the local loads within the vehicle. The electrical power distribution system also includes a plurality of HVAC distribution feeder lines. Each HVAC distribution feeder line connects the primary power panel to one of the plurality of distribution conversion units.