Bipolar High-Voltage Network With Segmented DC Converter Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for high-voltage networks in aircraft that are reliable, highly available, and have low system weight, while also being capable of operating with various voltage consumption devices.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar high-voltage network is designed with a DC voltage converter that includes two unipolar input connections, two bipolar output connections, and a reference potential connection, utilizing non-isolated DC voltage converter modules to reduce system weight by omitting heavy components like transformers. The network can operate in a degraded mode to maintain temporary emergency operation by detecting faults and isolating affected sub-networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If non-isolated DC voltage converter modules are used, then system weight is reduced, but reliability may be compromised due to lack of galvanic isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The DC voltage converter is divided into two independent unipolar modules that can operate independently. Each module can be isolated or deactivated in case of faults, allowing the system to maintain operation with one module even when the other fails, thus improving reliability without requiring heavy isolation components for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between bipolar operation mode (both modules active) and unipolar operation mode (one module active) based on fault conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability during faults while minimizing weight by using non-isolated modules during normal operation.
2Power
If bipolar operation mode is used, then power output is maximized, but system complexity increases due to fault detection and mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each DC voltage converter module is designed to be universal, capable of operating independently to provide both bipolar and unipolar output modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional fault isolation components and simplifies the control system, as the same modules handle both normal and fault conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities where the control unit automatically detects faults in one module and autonomously switches to unipolar operation using the remaining healthy module. This self-service approach minimizes the need for complex external monitoring and manual intervention, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If isolated DC voltage converter modules are used, then reliability is improved through galvanic isolation, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the isolation requirement into selective application. Instead of isolating both modules always, only the faulty module is isolated or deactivated, allowing the healthy module to continue operation without isolation overhead, thus reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically - switching from bipolar mode (both modules) to unipolar mode (one module) based on fault conditions. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the same reliability outcome with reduced weight by operating with a single non-isolated module during fault conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fault isolation mechanisms are implemented, then availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic fault isolation where the topology changes from bipolar to unipolar operation based on detected faults. This dynamic reconfiguration provides high availability by maintaining power output during faults while avoiding the complexity of static isolation mechanisms, as the same hardware serves dual purposes under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC voltage converter modules are designed with universal functionality to operate in both bipolar and unipolar modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fault isolation hardware, as the modules themselves can adapt to provide isolation by deactivating one module, thereby improving availability without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft bipolar high-voltage network includes a DC voltage converter comprising two unipolar input connections, two bipolar output connections and a reference potential connection, and at least one unipolar device having two electrical connections which are each coupled to one of the two unipolar input connections. The DC voltage converter has a first DC voltage converter module coupled to a first of the unipolar input connections via a module input connection, to the reference potential connection via a module reference potential connection and to a first of the bipolar output connections via a module output connection, and a second DC voltage converter module coupled to a second of the unipolar input connections via a module input connection, to the reference potential connection via a module reference potential connection and to a second of the bipolar output connections via a module output connection.