Aircraft Power Switching Between Fuel Cell and Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft power supply systems face challenges in efficiently providing power for take-off, increasing cruising distance while minimizing weight, and managing errors or failures in power supply sources.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system for aircraft that includes a fuel cell, a converter device with a mode switch, and a processor to control power distribution between a fuel cell and a battery, allowing for efficient power allocation and emergency mode operation to ensure continuous power delivery to motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a fuel cell is used to increase cruising distance, then the cruising distance is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent power sources (fuel cell and battery) that can operate separately or together. The fuel cell handles long-duration power needs for cruising distance, while the battery provides high-power bursts for take-off, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring one oversized system to handle all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power sources and operating modes based on real-time conditions. The processor monitors the state of charge, power demands, and operational phase to automatically adjust which power source is active, enabling the system to adapt its weight utilization and power delivery characteristics to match current needs.
2Power
If a battery is used to provide high power, then the power output is improved, but the cruising distance is limited due to discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply responsibilities are segmented between battery and fuel cell. The battery is dedicated to providing high power during take-off and high-demand phases, while the fuel cell is dedicated to sustaining long-duration cruising. This segmentation allows the battery to be smaller (reducing weight) while still meeting peak power requirements, and the fuel cell to be sized for optimal cruising efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell operates in advance to charge the battery during cruising phases or low-power periods, preparing the battery for subsequent high-power demands. This preliminary charging action ensures that when high power is needed for take-off or maneuvering, the battery is ready to deliver it immediately without limiting the overall cruising distance.
3Reliability
If multiple power supply sources are used, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode switch device and processor are designed to universally manage multiple power sources and multiple motor devices. The same control architecture handles both the fuel cell-to-motor1 path and the battery-to-motor2 path, as well as emergency mode operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each power source, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode switch device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the connection management between power sources and motor devices. Instead of requiring complex direct connections and control logic for each possible power source-motor combination, the mode switch device provides a centralized switching mechanism that the processor can control to route power flow appropriately, reducing overall system complexity.
4Weight of moving object
If the battery capacity is reduced to minimize weight, then the weight is improved, but the power supply capability during emergencies is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates emergency mode capabilities that are prepared in advance. When a failure is detected in the primary power source or converter device, the mode switch device can immediately switch to emergency operation where the battery supplies power to both motor devices. The battery capacity is sized to provide sufficient power for emergency operation during critical phases, while the fuel cell provides the primary sustained power to allow the battery to remain smaller than it would need to be for standalone operation.
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 enhances take-off efficiency, extends cruising distance by reducing battery capacity, and effectively manages power source errors or failures, ensuring reliable power supply to aircraft motors.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell configured to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a first battery device configured to supply a voltage from a first battery to a second motor device
Data Source
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AI summary
A power supply system of an aircraft includes a fuel cell that generates electrical energy, a converter device including a mode switch device that supplies power to a first motor device through a first output terminal and switches a connection between an output node of the fuel cell and the first output terminal, a first battery device that supplies a voltage from a first battery to a second motor device through a second output terminal and connects the second output terminal with the first output terminal under control of the mode switch device, and a processor that controls the mode switch device to enter an emergency mode when detecting an error in the converter device or the first battery device and connects the first output terminal with the second output terminal.