Airplane Conversion to Electric Propulsion via Battery Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airplanes powered by thermic reaction propulsion engines are becoming obsolete due to rising oil prices and environmental concerns, necessitating a cost-effective method to convert them to electric propulsion systems without significant structural changes.
Innovation Solution
The conversion method involves replacing at least one thermic reaction propulsion engine with an electric motor and replacing fuel tanks with rechargeable batteries, with electrical connections made along fuel pipes or frame structures, while maintaining most of the existing structure and functions intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional airplanes are converted to electric propulsion by replacing engines and fuel tanks, then environmental impact is reduced and operational cost is lowered, but device complexity increases due to integration of battery systems and electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the combustion engine and fuel tank system from the conventional airplane, replacing them with an electric motor and battery system. This extraction of the harmful thermal reaction propulsion system eliminates the environmental harmful factors while managing the complexity through selective replacement rather than complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing airplane structure, including the airframe, control systems, and aerodynamic surfaces, is retained and made to serve the new electric propulsion system. The fuel pipes and frame structures are repurposed for electrical wiring, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces device complexity by utilizing existing infrastructure for multiple purposes.
2Quantity of substance
If fuel tanks are replaced with rechargeable batteries, then weight distribution and energy storage capacity change, but volume requirements and structural modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery systems are integrated into the existing airplane structure by nesting them within available spaces such as the fuselage and wing root areas. The electrical wiring is routed through existing fuel pipe pathways and frame structures, effectively nesting the new electrical infrastructure within the conventional airframe architecture to minimize additional volume requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redistributes battery modules throughout the airplane structure in three-dimensional space, placing them in the fuselage, wing roots, and tail sections. This spatial distribution transforms the energy storage system from a single concentrated volume into a distributed arrangement, optimizing weight distribution and energy capacity while managing volume constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrical wiring is installed along fuel pipes and frame structures, then installation complexity is reduced, but potential interference with existing systems and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing fuel pipes and frame structures as intermediary pathways for routing electrical wiring. These existing structural elements serve as mediators that guide the new electrical infrastructure through the airframe, reducing installation complexity by leveraging established routing channels while maintaining separation between electrical and fuel systems through structured routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring system is divided into separate segments and routed through different pathways - some along fuel pipes and others along frame structures. This segmentation isolates electrical components from fuel systems, reducing safety concerns about potential interference while maintaining ease of installation through modular routing approaches.
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 allows for the cost-effective conversion of conventional airplanes to electric propulsion systems, reducing waste and environmental impact by utilizing existing infrastructure, while ensuring efficient operation and emergency power generation.
Implementation Method 1
replacing the at least one fuel tank with at least one rechargeable battery to power the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting a conventional airplane having at least one thermic reaction propulsion engine and at least one fuel tank fluidly connected through fuel pipes to an electric propulsion airplane comprises: removing the at least one thermic reaction propulsion engine from the conventional airplane; replacing the at least one thermic reaction propulsion engine used for propelling the conventional airplane with at least one electric engine; removing the at least one fuel tank from the conventional airplane; implanting at least one rechargeable battery instead of the at least one fuel tank; and electrically connecting the at least one electric engine and the at least one rechargeable battery.