Aircraft Electric Propulsion Bus for High-Voltage Cable Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-voltage electric propulsion systems for aircraft are undesirable due to the weight of cables required to carry increased electrical current, which limits power transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage electric propulsion system with an electric power bus that transfers electrical power at voltages exceeding 800 volts, reducing the electrical current and weight of cables while maintaining power delivery through a high-voltage cable configuration with a braided conductor, semi-conductive screen, and insulation layers to mitigate corona discharge risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low-voltage electric propulsion systems are used, then the system operates safely at high altitudes, but the cable weight increases due to higher current requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from low-voltage (below 270V) to high-voltage (above 800V) operation. This parameter change allows the system to maintain safe operation at high altitudes while reducing cable weight by transmitting power at higher voltage and lower current, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and cable weight
2Weight of moving object
If high-voltage electric propulsion systems are used, then cable weight is reduced, but the risk of corona discharge increases at high altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high voltage (corona discharge risk) into a beneficial outcome by using specially designed high-voltage cables with semi-conductive screens and insulation layers. These features suppress corona discharge, allowing the system to operate at high voltages above 800V while mitigating the harmful effects, thus reducing cable weight without compromising safety
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low-voltage systems are used, then corona discharge risk is minimized, but power transmission efficiency decreases due to higher current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from low-voltage to high-voltage (above 800V), which reduces transmission current and improves power transmission efficiency. Combined with specialized cable design featuring semi-conductive screens, this parameter change minimizes corona discharge risk while maximizing energy transmission efficiency
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 high-voltage system achieves efficient power transmission with reduced cable thickness and weight, enhancing propulsion system performance and reliability while minimizing the risk of electrical discharges at high altitudes.
Implementation Method 1
high-voltage cable configuration with a braided conductor, semi-conductive screen, and insulation layers to mitigate corona discharge risks
Data Source
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AI summary
A propulsion system 300 for an aircraft 10 includes an electric power source 302 and an electric propulsion assembly 304 having an electric motor 312 and a propulsor 314, the propulsor 314 powered by the electric motor 312. The propulsion system 300 also includes an electric power bus 306 electrically connecting the electric power source 302 to the electric propulsion assembly 304. The electric power source 302 is configured to provide electrical power to the electric power bus 306, and the electric power bus 306 is configured to transfer the electric power to the electric propulsion assembly 304 at a voltage exceeding 800 volts.