Direct Electric Drive Aircraft Propulsion System Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrically powered aircraft propulsion and lift systems are hindered by the weight and volume of power electronics, making them unsuitable for high-power applications due to low power density and high specific density, which is prohibitive for many aircraft.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a direct electric drive system where electric motors are powered directly from a generator, reducing the need for bulky power electronics by using a polyphase electric generator and motor, and incorporating a bi-directional power converter for energy storage, allowing for efficient power management and reduced weight and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional power electronics are used in electrically powered aircraft propulsion and lift systems, then the system can provide sufficient power, but the weight and volume become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power electronics component from the traditional electric propulsion system. By directly coupling the generator to the electric motor, the system removes the intermediary power conversion equipment, thereby achieving significant weight reduction while maintaining the required power output for aircraft propulsion and lift.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the generator and motor into a directly coupled integrated system. The generator is directly connected to the motor shaft without intermediate power electronics, creating a unified propulsion system that reduces overall weight and complexity while delivering sufficient power for aircraft applications.
2Power
If traditional power electronics are used in electrically powered aircraft propulsion and lift systems, then the system can provide sufficient power, but the volume occupied becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power electronics component from the traditional electric propulsion system. By directly coupling the generator to the electric motor, the system removes the intermediary power conversion equipment, thereby achieving significant volume reduction while maintaining the required power output for aircraft propulsion and lift.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the generator and motor into a directly coupled integrated system. The generator is directly connected to the motor shaft without intermediate power electronics, creating a unified propulsion system that reduces overall volume and allows for more efficient use of aircraft space.
3Weight of moving object
If power density is increased to reduce weight and volume, then the system becomes more efficient, but the complexity of managing high-power direct drive increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power electronics component from the traditional electric propulsion system. By directly coupling the generator to the electric motor, the system removes the intermediary power conversion equipment, thereby achieving significant weight reduction while maintaining the required power output for aircraft propulsion and lift.
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 approach enhances power density, reduces weight and volume, and enables more efficient propulsion and lift capabilities, making the system more suitable for high-power aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
powering directly from a polyphase electric generator to one or more polyphase electric motors
Implementation Method 2
one or more polyphase electric motors directly electrically coupled to said generator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.