Battery Ground Power Unit AC Synchronization for Smooth Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-driven ground power units (GPUs) face challenges in construction, operability, durability, and maintenance, particularly in seamless power transfer and battery management.
Innovation Solution
A system with a battery GPU that includes synchronized alternating current input ports, phase angle adjustment, and electronic switches with diodes for smooth power transfer, along with a centralized control system for efficient battery management and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If battery GPU is used to supply power to aircraft, then environmental friendliness is improved, but duration of continuous use is limited by battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent battery packs (first battery pack, second battery pack) that can operate independently or in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to extend operational duration by switching between packs or combining their output, while each individual pack maintains the environmental benefits of battery-powered operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A power management unit acts as an intermediary between the battery packs and the aircraft power system. This mediator coordinates power flow, manages charging/discharging cycles, and enables seamless handover between packs, thereby extending continuous operation while maintaining the clean energy advantage of battery propulsion.
2Duration of action of moving object
If power handover between battery GPU and helper GPU is implemented, then duration of continuous use is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery GPU is designed with universal interfaces and control logic that can operate in multiple modes: standalone battery operation, charging from external sources, and handover with helper GPUs. This multi-functionality is achieved through a versatile power management unit that handles various power flow scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the power management unit continuously monitors battery status, power demand, and synchronization parameters. Based on this feedback, the system automatically makes decisions about when to switch between battery packs, when to accept charging, and when to handover power to aircraft, thereby managing complexity through intelligent automation rather than manual control.
3Reliability
If synchronization of alternating current output is implemented, then smooth power transfer is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms with electronic control methods. The power management unit uses electronic switching and phase-angle control to achieve synchronization between alternating current outputs, substituting physical adjustment mechanisms with programmable electronic controllers that can rapidly and precisely adjust frequency, phase, and amplitude.
Solution Approach 2:
Synchronization is achieved by dynamically changing electrical parameters (frequency, phase angle, voltage amplitude) of the alternating current output. The power management unit adjusts these parameters in real-time based on the operational state and grid conditions, enabling smooth power transfer through controlled parameter variation rather than fixed mechanical settings.
4Reliability
If electronic switches with diodes are used for power distribution, then reverse current flow is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harmful effect of reverse current flow into a useful protective feature by incorporating diodes in parallel with electronic switches. These diodes naturally block reverse current while allowing forward current flow, thereby transforming a possible failure mode into an inherent safety mechanism that protects the battery and electronic components without requiring complex active protection circuits.
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
Enhances the continuous use duration of battery GPUs by enabling smooth power handover, improves safety through independent battery monitoring, and ensures efficient charging and power distribution without reverse current flow, thereby improving construction, operability, and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter for transforming an output current of the battery to an alternating output current of the inverter to be supplied to the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
one or more electronic switches for connecting and disconnecting the battery to and from the inverter
Implementation Method 3
a diode connected in serial, allowing current from the battery to the inverter and blocking or limiting current from the inverter to the battery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An airport ground power unit for supplying electric current to an aircraft parked on the ground, a method of operating the ground power unit, a system for supplying electric current to an aircraft parked on the ground, a method of operating such system, and a Y-adaptor.