Dedicated Voltage Bus for Aircraft Engine Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft electrical systems face limitations due to fixed output voltage and frequency of conventional AC and DC voltage buses, which restrict the type of accessories that can be powered, leading to inefficiencies and additional heavy components.

Innovation Solution

An engine assembly with a heat engine driving an electric generator, separate from the mechanical gearbox, and a power electronics module that regulates the generator output voltage to provide a dedicated voltage bus meeting the power demands of aircraft accessories, eliminating the need for conventional AC and DC mechanical drivers and local inverters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional AC and DC voltage buses with fixed output voltage and frequency are used, then the electrical system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different accessory power demands is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to accessory power demandsVSAvoidelectrical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic voltage bus system where the output voltage and frequency can be continuously adjusted based on the specific power demands of connected accessories. The power electronics module enables real-time modification of electrical parameters, transforming the static conventional bus into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes performance for each accessory load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dedicated voltage bus with adjustable parameters serves multiple functions: it can power various types of accessories with different voltage and frequency requirements using a single bus structure. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate AC and DC bus systems, reducing overall system complexity while increasing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If mechanical drivers connected to mechanical accessory gearbox are used to power accessories, then the accessories can operate, but additional heavy components and power inefficiencies are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical driver system with an electrical system. Instead of using mechanical components connected to the accessory gearbox to drive accessories, the invention uses a dedicated voltage bus with power electronics to provide electrical power directly to electrically-driven accessories. This substitution eliminates mechanical transmission losses and reduces the weight of mechanical drive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If local inverters and power conversion equipment are added to meet accessory power demands, then the power flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and component weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower flexibilityVSAvoidpower conversion equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate power conversion devices (AC buses, DC buses, local inverters) into a single integrated dedicated voltage bus system. The power electronics module performs all necessary voltage and frequency conversions centrally, eliminating the need for distributed power conversion equipment throughout the aircraft electrical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 flexible voltage and frequency settings, reducing energy inefficiencies and component weight by directly providing regulated voltage to accessories, enhancing power management and reducing the need for additional power conversion equipment.

Implementation Method 1

an electric generator coupled to the second end to provide a generator output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power electronics module connected to the electric generator and configured to regulate the generator output voltage to provide a regulated output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11124311B2Engine assembly with a dedicated voltage bus

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

There is provided an engine assembly for an aircraft, comprising a heat engine in driving engagement with an engine shaft having a first end coupled to a mechanical gearbox and a second end opposite the first end, an electric generator coupled to the second end to provide a generator output voltage, the electric generator separate from the mechanical gearbox, a power electronics module connected to the electric generator and configured to regulate the generator output voltage to provide a regulated output voltage that meets an electrical power demand of at least one aircraft accessory, and a voltage bus connected to the power electronics module and configured to supply the regulated output voltage to the at least one aircraft accessory.