Aircraft Power Grid Control Using Storage State Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft electrical power systems struggle to efficiently manage power supply for electrical consumers, especially when using alternative fuels and propulsion systems, as they require direct monitoring and feedback of power consumption from each consumer.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first power train system with an electrical power supply grid that connects a power generation unit, a power consumer, and an electrical power storage unit, controlled by a power train control unit that manages power supply based on input variables reflective of the electrical power storage unit's state and condition, allowing indirect control of power distribution without direct monitoring of each power consumer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct monitoring and feedback of power consumption from each consumer is implemented, then power supply efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control strategy where the power train control unit manages power distribution based on the state of the electrical power storage unit rather than directly monitoring each consumer. This intermediary approach simplifies the system by using the storage unit's state as a proxy indicator, reducing the need for complex monitoring infrastructure while maintaining effective power management
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power storage unit serves itself by providing state information (such as charge level) that the control unit uses to automatically adjust power supply. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external monitoring of each power consumer, as the storage unit's inherent state data suffices for control decisions, thereby reducing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If direct monitoring of each power consumer is implemented, then power consumption accuracy is improved, but communication errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function into a single centralized measurement at the power storage unit rather than maintaining separate monitoring channels for each consumer. This consolidation reduces the number of communication interfaces and data transmission paths, thereby minimizing potential communication errors while still providing sufficient information for accurate power management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential control information from the complex web of individual consumer measurements by focusing solely on the state of the electrical power storage unit. This extraction approach removes the need for multiple communication channels between the control unit and individual consumers, reducing communication overhead and potential error sources
3Ease of operation
If complex power train system with direct consumer monitoring is used, then power distribution control is improved, but system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power storage unit provides its own state information (such as charge level and readiness) that the control unit uses for automatic power distribution decisions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex monitoring and communication infrastructure, reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining effective power management control
Solution Approach 2:
The state information from the electrical power storage unit serves multiple functions: it indicates charge level, availability for power delivery, and system health status. This multi-functional use of a single data source simplifies the control architecture and reduces the number of separate monitoring systems needed, thereby improving reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for electrically powering electrical consumers of an aircraft, the system (10) comprising a first power train system (15) of an aircraft, the first power train system (15) comprising: - an electrical power supply grid (20) for electrically connecting at least a power generation unit (30), a power consumer (50) and an electrical power storage unit (40), wherein the electrical power supply grid (20) is configured to: - receive power from the power generation unit (30), - supply power to the electrical power storage unit (40) generated by the power generation unit (30) or receive power from the electrical power storage unit (40), and - supply power from the power generation unit (30) and/or from the electrical power storage unit (40) to the power consumer (50); and - a power train control unit (100) configured to receive at least one input variable being reflective of a state and/or a condition of the electrical power storage unit (40) and to control the power (114) supplied to the electrical power storage unit (40) at least on the basis of the at least one input variable. Furthermore, a corresponding aircraft propulsion system (12), method and computer program product are provided.