Distributed Converter Architecture for Aircraft Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power delivery systems for aircraft face challenges in reducing weight due to the need for heavy low-voltage electrical wiring to distribute battery energy to loads distributed throughout the aircraft, which increases complexity, cost, and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power conversion architecture that replaces centralized batteries with modular power tiles and battery packs, eliminating the need for long wiring runs by co-locating battery packs with converter-modular power tiles, allowing direct DC power delivery to loads and enabling energy sharing and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If centralized batteries are replaced with distributed converter architecture, then weight of power delivery system is reduced, but complexity of power distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized battery system into multiple distributed converter units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to reduce overall wiring weight while maintaining functional complexity through modular design, where each converter unit is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed converter units are designed with multi-functionality to handle various power delivery scenarios. Each converter can operate independently or in coordination with others, providing both weight reduction benefits and managed complexity through standardized universal interfaces and protocols.
2Reliability
If heavy low-voltage electrical wiring is used to distribute battery energy to distributed loads, then reliability of power delivery is improved, but weight of aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distributed converter units as intermediary devices between the battery and loads. These converters manage power distribution locally, reducing the need for heavy low-voltage wiring across the entire aircraft while maintaining reliable power delivery through intelligent local control and power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a centralized two-dimensional power distribution model to a three-dimensional distributed architecture. This dimensional change allows power to be delivered through multiple pathways and locations, reducing dependency on any single heavy wiring run while improving overall system reliability.
3Weight of moving object
If 270V battery is used to replace 28V battery, then weight of wiring is reduced, but adaptability of existing loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by using distributed converter units that can adapt their output voltage and current characteristics. This allows the system to use lighter high-voltage wiring for power transmission while the converters locally adjust parameters to match the requirements of existing 28V loads, maintaining adaptability without the weight penalty of heavy low-voltage wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed converter for delivering power to a set of loads is provided. The distributed converter includes a converter battery distribution unit that includes a converter-modular power tile, and the converter-modular power tile includes a battery pack configured to deliver power to a load of the set of loads.