Aircraft Power Source Synchronization Using Primary Stage Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing electrical energy sources in aircraft, such as emergency wind turbines and auxiliary sources, face challenges due to dependence on the quality of the electrical network, leading to unreliable power transfer and over-dimensioning of emergency wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a multistage generator set with a permanent-magnet primary stage, an exciter secondary stage, and a principal generator tertiary stage, along with an auxiliary source, uses a synchronization device to measure and control the electrical voltage and frequency of the auxiliary source to match the primary stage's characteristics, ensuring robust synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an emergency wind turbine is dimensioned to supply maximum power for peak consumption, then power supply capability is improved, but the device becomes over-dimensioned, bulky, heavy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency wind turbine with an auxiliary electrical source (such as a battery or super-capacitor system) to create a hybrid power system. This merging allows the emergency wind turbine to be dimensioned for normal operation rather than peak demand, reducing its size and weight while the auxiliary source supplements power during peak consumption periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the auxiliary electrical source is activated based on real-time power demand conditions. The system dynamically switches between the emergency wind turbine and the auxiliary source, allowing the wind turbine to operate at optimal, reduced capacity while the auxiliary source provides supplemental power when needed, thereby reducing the overall weight requirement.
2Reliability
If synchronization is accomplished via PLL control using network voltages as references, then synchronization is achieved, but the system becomes dependent on electrical network quality and vulnerable to perturbations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference voltage signal that is derived from the electrical network but processed and filtered to eliminate harmful perturbations. This intermediary reference is then used by the PLL control system, allowing synchronization to be achieved while isolating the control mechanism from direct exposure to network quality issues and perturbations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the electrical network quality and adjusts the reference voltage signal accordingly. When perturbations are detected, the system automatically compensates by adjusting the reference signal to maintain stable PLL control, thereby maintaining synchronization reliability despite network quality variations.
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
This solution enhances the synchronization of electrical sources, reducing the impact of network perturbations and allowing for more efficient power transfer, particularly in aeronautical applications by providing a robust and simple control mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a primary stage comprising a permanent-magnet generator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for sychronising energy sources coupled to an electrical grid supplying at least one electrical load of an aircraft, said system comprising: a main source of electrical energy supplying said electrical load comprising a multi-stage generator, said multi-stage generator comprising: a primary stage comprising a generator with permanent magnets, a secondary stage comprising an excitation, and a tertiary stage comprising a main generator; an auxiliary source of electrical energy supplying said electrical load; and a device for synchronising the main source and the auxiliary source, designed to measure an electrical voltage at the outlet of the primary stage of the main source, and to control the supply of said electrical load by means of the auxiliary source of electrical energy at an electrical voltage slaved to the characteristics of frequency and phase of the electrical voltage of the primary stage.