Electrified Aircraft Regenerative Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified aircraft systems face challenges in controlling path angle and descending rate independently while managing drag force, leading to inefficient energy recovery and increased pilot workload due to complex operations and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an electric drive motor, a propeller or fan, and an estimation unit to calculate drag force and torque, allowing for feedback control of rotation and torque commands to maximize regenerative energy, with a control unit managing propeller pitch and direction to optimize energy generation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the propeller or fan is rotated reversely at the time of propulsion to control drag force, then the drag force can be controlled, but the pitch angle has to be significantly changed and the propeller or fan has to be reversely rotated, resulting in long operation time and very low response
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the propeller reversely to control drag force, the invention uses aerodynamic devices (elevators, spoilers) to control the path angle and drag force. This inverts the conventional approach by using lifting surfaces rather than propeller rotation direction to achieve drag control, thereby maintaining fast response while controlling drag force during descent.
2Force
If aerodynamic devices are used to adjust path angle during descent, then the path angle can be controlled, but both the path angle and airspeed change, making the operation complex and increasing pilot workload
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the control functions by using aerodynamic devices specifically for path angle control while using the propulsion drive system for airspeed control. This functional segmentation allows independent control of path angle and airspeed, simplifying pilot operation and reducing workload during descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion drive system is given multi-functionality, serving both for propulsion (forward motion) and for drag force control during descent. This allows the system to control both airspeed and path angle independently, reducing the complexity of operation and pilot workload.
3Force
If the propeller or fan is rotated reversely to control drag force, then the drag force can be adjusted, but the operation time becomes long and the response becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional method by using aerodynamic devices (elevators, spoilers) instead of propeller reverse rotation to control drag force. This allows rapid adjustment of drag force without the time-consuming process of reversing propeller rotation, significantly reducing operation time while maintaining effective drag control.
4Loss of energy
If existing methods are used to generate electric power during descent, then some electric power can be recovered, but the generated electric power becomes small and is insufficient from an energy saving point of view
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the parameters of the propulsion drive system during descent, specifically adjusting the rotation speed and torque of the propeller or fan to maximize electric power generation. By changing these operational parameters rather than simply reversing rotation, the system achieves significantly higher electric power recovery, making energy saving practically effective.
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 approach enables independent control of path angle and descending rate with improved response and safety, maximizing generated electric power while reducing pilot workload and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive motor for rotary-driving the propeller or the fan and for generating an electric power by the rotation of the propeller or the fan
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an electrified aircraft, and a method of controlling a regenerative electric power of the electrified aircraft where a path angle and a descending rate can be controlled with a good response independently from a speed while controlling the drag force of the propulsion drive system and where it is possible to maximize safely a generated electric power in each flight status at the time of descent or ascent. The electrified aircraft includes a propeller or a fan for propulsion; an electric drive motor for rotary-driving the propeller or the fan and for generating an electric power by the rotation of the propeller or the fan; and an estimation unit for estimating a drag force of the propeller or the fan or an electric power generation amount of the electric drive motor based on propulsion system parameters of the electric drive motor.