Aircraft DC Bus Voltage Control for Altitude-Based Arc Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft power systems face challenges in efficiently managing voltage as altitude changes, leading to inefficiencies and increased weight due to the need for insulation rated for maximum voltage at all altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a DC/DC converter with a switching circuit and a control module that adjusts the DC output voltage based on altitude input from a sensor, reducing the need for high-voltage insulation at higher altitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DC output voltage is maintained at maximum level across all altitudes, then arc protection is ensured at ground level, but the dielectric insulation must be rated for maximum voltage increasing system weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DC output voltage variable rather than fixed. The control module dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on real-time altitude measurements from the altitude sensor, transitioning from a static voltage system to a dynamic one that adapts to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter as a function of altitude. The control module modifies the DC output voltage parameter based on altitude input, allowing the system to operate at lower voltages at higher altitudes where arc protection requirements are reduced, thereby reducing dielectric insulation weight.
2Reliability
If the dielectric insulation is rated for maximum voltage at all altitudes, then safety is ensured, but system weight increases due to over-engineered insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating insulation requirements based on altitude zones. Instead of uniformly rating all insulation for maximum voltage everywhere, the system adjusts voltage locally according to altitude, allowing lighter insulation to be used at higher altitudes where the reduced voltage eliminates the need for maximum voltage rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic voltage adjustment based on altitude allows the system to match insulation requirements to actual operating conditions, ensuring safety is maintained at each altitude while avoiding over-engineering insulation for maximum weight.
3Productivity
If higher voltage is used at ground level, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but arc risk increases without altitude-based control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the altitude sensor to provide real-time information to the control module, which then adjusts the output voltage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that voltage is optimized for power transmission at each altitude while automatically reducing voltage when at ground level to prevent arcing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on altitude feedback, allowing high voltage operation for efficient power transmission at altitude while automatically reducing voltage at ground level to eliminate arc risk.
4Device complexity
If the switching circuit operates at fixed maximum voltage, then component design is simplified, but energy efficiency decreases at higher altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed-voltage switching circuit into a dynamic one controlled by altitude-based feedback. While this increases control complexity, it significantly improves energy efficiency by preventing unnecessary high-voltage operation at altitude where lower voltages are sufficient, reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit operates with variable voltage parameters instead of fixed maximum voltage. The control module adjusts voltage parameters based on altitude, optimizing energy efficiency by matching voltage levels to actual power transmission needs at each altitude.
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 solution allows for reduced weight and increased efficiency by lowering output voltage with increasing altitude, while maintaining power output and ensuring arc protection through appropriate dielectric insulation ratings.
Implementation Method 1
a switching circuit connecting the DC input to the DC output, the switching circuit operable to vary voltage at the DC output
Implementation Method 2
an input electrical conductor having a first dielectric insulation disposed thereabout, and the DC output is electrically connected to a power bus via an output electrical conductor having a second dielectric insulation disposed thereabout
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a system for aircraft power. The system includes a DC/DC converter having a DC input and a DC output and a switching circuit connecting the DC input to the DC output operable to vary voltage at the DC output. A control module is operatively connected to the switching circuit for variable control of the DC output. The control module includes machine readable instructions to cause the control module to receive input indicative of altitude and control the switching circuit to vary voltage of the DC output as a function of environmental conditions such as altitude and humidity. In embodiments the altitude sensor is operatively connected to the controller.