Bi-directional Voltage to Current Converter for Aircraft Power Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
The more electric architecture in aircraft faces challenges with stringent average, pulsed, and regenerative power requirements due to rapid fluctuations in load currents and poor power quality on DC power buses, necessitating optimized real-time power flow control and management.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional voltage to current converter system that includes an inductor, switches, and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller, which senses the difference between source and load currents to adjust output current, reducing rapid current variations and improving power quality by eliminating associated voltage drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydraulic and pneumatic subsystems are replaced with electric loads in more electric architecture, then system modernization and integration are achieved, but rapid load current fluctuations and poor power quality occur
Solution Approach 1:
A bi-directional DC-DC converter is introduced as an intermediary power management device between the DC power bus and electric loads. The converter actively regulates power flow, smoothing current fluctuations and maintaining stable voltage levels, thereby resolving the power quality issues while preserving the benefits of electric architecture integration
2Power
If electric loads with high peak-to-average power ratios are used, then advanced functionality is achieved, but stringent average and pulsed power requirements create management challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC converter operates dynamically with real-time adjustment of switching duty cycles and power flow rates. The control system continuously monitors load requirements and source capabilities, adapting the converter's operation to meet varying average and pulsed power demands without requiring complex external power management infrastructure
3Loss of energy
If regenerative power flow is enabled for brief periods, then energy recovery is achieved, but control and management of regenerative power becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional DC-DC converter incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor power flow direction, magnitude, and rate of change. During regenerative braking or energy recovery events, the feedback system automatically adjusts converter parameters to capture and store recovered energy while maintaining system stability, simplifying the management of complex regenerative power flows
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 system effectively manages and delivers average current demanded by loads, reducing rapid current variations and improving power quality by maintaining permissive voltage levels, thus addressing the challenges of pulsed and regenerative power requirements in aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor coupled to a supply bus
Implementation Method 2
a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller adapted to control the operation of the set of switches
Data Source
AI summary
A system adapted to regulate a voltage of a supply bus is described. The system includes a source adapted to supply a source current to the supply bus, a load adapted to draw a load current from the supply bus, and a bi-directional voltage to current converter adapted to provide an output current, where the output current is at least partly based on the source current and the load current.