Aircraft DC Bus Regulation Using Wing De-Icer Heating Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical systems face challenges in regulating DC power bus voltage to prevent overvoltage scenarios, which can lead to fluctuations and potential component damage, requiring an efficient method to manage and redistribute excessive voltage.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system that includes a DC power bus, resistive heating elements, and a controller to selectively adjust voltage by using a gate switch, converting excess voltage into heat, thereby stabilizing the power bus and de-icing aircraft components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is regulated by dissipating excess voltage through resistive elements, then overvoltage protection is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful excess voltage into beneficial thermal energy for wing de-icing. The resistive elements that would normally dissipate energy as waste heat are instead used to provide controlled heating to prevent ice accumulation on aircraft wings, transforming an energy loss problem into a useful function.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it regulates DC power bus voltage to protect electrical components from overvoltage damage, and at the same time provides thermal heating to de-ice aircraft wings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate overvoltage protection and de-icing systems.
2Reliability
If resistive heating elements are used for voltage regulation, then overvoltage is managed, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same resistive heating elements used for voltage regulation are also used for wing de-icing, eliminating the need for additional protective components or separate de-icing systems. The controller manages both functions through a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal resistive heating elements for dual purposes: voltage regulation and thermal heating. Rather than adding external protection devices, the system leverages existing components to provide overvoltage protection, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
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
Effectively regulates overvoltage on the DC power bus by converting excess voltage into heat, ensuring stable voltage distribution and de-icing aircraft components, thus preventing damage and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one resistive heating element to convert the amount of the first voltage into heat
Implementation Method 2
at least one resistive heating element electrically connected with the at least one DC power bus and coupled with the at least one wing of the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system for an aircraft includes a wing, a power supply circuit, and a controller. The supply circuit includes a DC power bus having a voltage, a resistive heating element electrically connected with the DC power bus and coupled with the wing, and a voltage manipulation element configured to selectively adjust an amount of voltage that is directed to the heating element. The controller is connected to the manipulation element and is configured to regulate the voltage of the DC power bus. The controller is programmed to control the manipulation element when the voltage of the DC power bus is greater than a threshold voltage to vary an amount of voltage that is directed to the heating element to cause the heating element to convert the amount of the voltage into heat and thereby regulate overvoltage of the voltage of the DC power bus.