Aircraft Power Supply Network Using Winding Midpoints for Ground Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft power systems require additional converters and modified ground power sources for battery charging, increasing onboard load and limiting charging locations.
Innovation Solution
A power supply network that connects the midpoint of each winding to a ground power unit, using an electronic control unit to control converters in voltage step-up operations, allowing the aircraft to be powered without additional converters and using standard ground power units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a converter dedicated to charging the battery by external ground power source is integrated into the aircraft, then the battery can be recharged using ground power, but the load and volume onboard the aircraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing converters (designed for flight mode operation) perform an additional function by connecting them to ground power units during ground operations. The converters can operate in both flight mode (powering aircraft systems) and ground mode (charging battery from external power), eliminating the need for dedicated charging converters and reducing onboard mass
2Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is connected to the external ground power source with a specific connector, then the converter can process ground power, but the possibility of charging the aircraft is limited to locations with such converter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing converters to work with standard ground power units by configuring them in voltage step-up operation mode. This universal approach allows the aircraft to be charged at any airport or aeronautical base with standard ground power, eliminating the need for specialized connectors or modified ground power sources
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional converters are added to the network for ground power operation, then the aircraft can be powered from ground power unit, but the onboard load and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing converters multi-functional by enabling them to operate in voltage step-up mode when connected to ground power units. The same converters that power aircraft systems during flight also charge the battery during ground operations, eliminating the need for additional converters and reducing onboard volume
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
Enables electrical power and battery charging without additional onboard converters, reducing mass and allowing charging at any airport with standard ground power units.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic control unit is configured to control at least one converter from among the converter(s) in a voltage step-up operation when the connection is connected to a ground power unit for powering the midpoint of each winding
Implementation Method 2
when the electric machine converts a mechanical torque provided by the engine into an alternating electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply network for an aircraft, associated aircraft and control process, the network including a drive engine and an electric machine, the electric engine including a winding, the winding including at least three coils, the winding including a common midpoint for each coil. The network further including at least one converter, the or each converter being connected to the coils of the winding, loads connected to the or each converter, and an electronic control unit for the or each converter. The network also including connections of the midpoint of the or each winding to a ground power unit, and the electronic control unit is configured to control at least one converter in a voltage step-up operation.