Aircraft Power Distribution Segmentation for Cable Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The weight of long, heavy feeder cables used in aircraft power distribution systems is significant due to high electrical power requirements for wing and nacelle equipment, which hinders aircraft efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution apparatus with an outboard and inboard distribution unit connected by a feeder cable, along with switch means to control power flow between them, allowing power to be supplied directly from the outboard unit to wing or nacelle loads without a dedicated feeder cable, and enabling redundancy through connections to a second power distribution apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If long, heavy feeder cables are used to carry electrical power from the power distribution panel to wing or nacelle equipment, then the power requirements of such equipment are met, but the aircraft weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into two separate distribution units (inboard and outboard) positioned at different locations along the aircraft fuselage. This segmentation allows each unit to serve local equipment, eliminating the need for long feeder cables spanning the entire aircraft length. The inboard distribution unit serves equipment near the aircraft center, while the outboard distribution unit serves wing and nacelle equipment, thereby reducing cable length and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A transformer is introduced as an intermediary device between the power source and the distribution units. The transformer steps down the high voltage from the generators to lower voltages suitable for distribution to various equipment. This intermediary allows for more efficient power distribution with reduced current requirements, thereby reducing I²R losses and enabling the use of lighter conductor materials in the feeder cables and distribution systems.
2Reliability
If redundancy is provided in the power distribution system, then reliability is improved, but the feeder cable weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into two separate distribution units (inboard and outboard) positioned at different locations along the aircraft fuselage. This segmentation allows each unit to serve local equipment, eliminating the need for long feeder cables spanning the entire aircraft length. The inboard distribution unit serves equipment near the aircraft center, while the outboard distribution unit serves wing and nacelle equipment, thereby reducing cable length and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder cable connecting the inboard and outboard distribution units serves multiple functions: it provides power transmission between units, enables redundancy by allowing either unit to supply power to either location, and facilitates flexible system reconfiguration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cables for each function, thereby reducing overall cable weight while maintaining redundancy.
3Weight of moving object
If power is supplied directly from the outboard distribution unit to wing or nacelle loads, then the feeder cable weight is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to switch means control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The switch means are designed to be controllable, allowing the system to dynamically reconfigure power flow paths based on operational requirements and system state. The switches can automatically or manually redirect power between the inboard and outboard distribution units, enabling the system to adapt to failures, maintenance scenarios, or varying power demands. This dynamic capability reduces the need for fixed, heavy cabling while maintaining flexibility through intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution apparatus 30 comprises an outboard distribution unit 36, an inboard distribution unit 32, a feeder cable 34 electrically interconnecting the inboard and outboard distribution units 32, 36, a generator line 40 whereby a generator output can be supplied, in use, to the outboard distribution unit 36, and switch means C1, C3, C5 operable to control the electrical connections between the feeder cable 34 and the inboard and outboard distribution units 32, 36 and between the generator line 40 and the outboard distribution unit 36.