Aircraft Power Distribution Switching for Load Sharing and Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical power distribution networks face a trade-off between segregation for fault prevention and unification for efficient load sharing, where segregation prevents fault propagation but misses out on load sharing benefits, and unification is considered unsafe, leading to sub-optimal performance and uneven battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power system with a network that unifies power sources and loads in normal operation for efficient load sharing, while rapidly isolating faults to prevent propagation, using Solid-State Power Controllers to switch between operational modes and achieve fault isolation, allowing for both segregation and unification as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical power distribution network uses segregation to prevent fault propagation, then reliability is improved, but load sharing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network dynamically switches between segregated and unified configurations based on operational conditions. Power links can transition between connected and disconnected states, allowing the system to adapt its topology for optimal performance - unified for load sharing, segregated for fault isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The network is divided into multiple separable power lanes with controllable power links between them. This segmentation allows the system to physically divide the network into isolated segments when faults occur, while maintaining the capability for unified operation during normal conditions
2Productivity
If the electrical power distribution network uses unification for efficient load sharing, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fault propagation risk
Solution Approach 1:
Controllable power links act as intermediary elements between power lanes. These intermediaries can be selectively opened or closed to mediate between the conflicting requirements of unification (for load sharing) and segregation (for fault isolation), enabling the system to achieve both benefits at different times
3Reliability
If the system rapidly isolates faults using Solid-State Power Controllers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional electromechanical circuit breakers with Solid-State Power Controllers. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, enabling much faster fault isolation response times while reducing mechanical wear and improving reliability, though increasing electronic control complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power distribution network of an electric power system of an aircraft is operated in at least one normal operation mode such that it provides for load sharing across electrical power sources (A, B, C, D) with respect to electrical loads (AA, BB, CC, DD), wherein the electrical power distribution network, in case of an electrical fault, is operated in at least one electrical failure mitigating operation mode, which provides for electric fault isolation, such that a network portion of the electrical power distribution network including the electrical fault is isolated from at least one other network portion of the of the electrical power distribution network.