Aircraft DC Power Distribution with Short-Circuitable Converter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft power distribution systems face inefficiencies due to the need for power conversion stages to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for DC loads, which increases weight, size, and complexity, and reduces reliability and maintainability.
Innovation Solution
A direct current (DC) power distribution system with power converter modules that can be short-circuited in response to faults, reducing the need for DC circuit breakers and maintaining electrical current at a commanded value using a controller, thereby optimizing space, cost, and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC power distribution systems are used to supply power to DC loads, then electrical power can be distributed to various loads, but power conversion stages must be provided at each DC load which increases weight, size, and number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion function into a centralized DC-DC converter located at the power source, eliminating the need for distributed AC-to-DC converters at each load. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and system weight while maintaining the ability to supply power to multiple DC loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power conversion function from individual load locations and relocates it to a centralized position near the power source. This extraction eliminates redundant conversion stages distributed throughout the system, reducing overall component count and weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power conversion stages are provided at each DC load to convert AC to DC, then DC loads can operate, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power conversion functions into a single centralized DC-DC converter, reducing system complexity while maintaining compatibility with multiple DC loads through unified power management and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized DC-DC converter is designed to serve multiple DC loads simultaneously, providing universal power conversion capability that replaces multiple specialized AC-to-DC converters, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power conversion stages are provided at each DC load, then AC power can be converted to DC, but reliability and maintainability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power conversion functionality into a single reliable DC-DC converter, eliminating multiple potential failure points distributed throughout the system. This centralization improves reliability by reducing the number of components that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts power conversion from numerous distributed locations and concentrates it in one location, removing the reliability vulnerabilities associated with multiple distributed conversion stages while maintaining the necessary AC-to-DC conversion capability.
4Reliability
If DC circuit breakers are used to protect against faults, then system protection is provided, but the number of components and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fault protection function from distributed DC circuit breakers and implements it through centralized monitoring and control at the DC-DC converter. This extraction eliminates numerous protective components while maintaining comprehensive fault protection through intelligent control systems.
5Adaptability or versatility
If AC power distribution systems are used, then power can be distributed, but the weight and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power distribution functionality into a more compact DC-based architecture with centralized conversion, reducing the overall system volume by eliminating redundant AC distribution infrastructure and distributed conversion equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A direct current (DC) power distribution system is provided for an aircraft. The system includes a DC system bus configured to carry electrical power from a source of electrical power to a plurality of electrical loads. The electrical loads are onboard the aircraft. The DC system bus includes a load side. The system includes a plurality of power converter modules that are electrically coupled in series to the DC system bus on the load side of the DC system bus. The power converter modules are configured to be electrically attached to corresponding sub-sets of the electrical loads. At least one of the power converter modules is configured to be short circuited in response to a fault such that the at least one power converter module does not supply electrical power to the corresponding subset of the electrical loads.