Distributed Modular Equipment Centers for Aircraft Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft with centralized power and communication systems face issues such as weight increase, complexity, and difficulty in testing and repairing due to long wire loops and extensive wiring, particularly in composite aircraft lacking a conductive chassis, which complicates power distribution and communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A distributed power and communications system where modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the aircraft, each providing localized power and data to equipment zones, reducing the need for extensive wiring and allowing for independent operation and rerouting of power in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized equipment bays are used for power distribution, then power control and communication are simplified, but wire weight and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power distribution system into multiple distributed modular equipment centers (MECs) positioned throughout the aircraft. Each MEC independently manages power for its local zone, eliminating the need for extensive wiring from centralized bays to remote equipment. This segmentation reduces wire weight while maintaining systematic control through modular independence.
Solution Approach 2:
Each MEC provides localized power conversion and distribution tailored to its specific zone's requirements. Rather than routing all power through centralized bays, each MEC performs local AC-to-DC conversion and distributes power locally, reducing the need for heavy gauge wiring over long distances while maintaining appropriate power quality for each equipment zone.
2Reliability
If extensive wiring is used to provide current return paths in composite aircraft, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical distribution into multiple independent MEC zones, each with its own local AC and DC busing. This eliminates the need for continuous longitudinal and lateral current return networks spanning the entire aircraft, as each zone maintains electrical connectivity independently through its own localized busing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The MECs act as intermediary power conversion and distribution nodes between the primary AC power sources and the various DC equipment loads. Each MEC locally converts AC to DC and provides both power and local current return paths, eliminating the need for extensive dedicated return wiring while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity within each zone.
3Ease of operation
If sections are assembled separately and tested before final assembly, then testing is possible, but repair difficulty increases after final assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into discrete fuselage sections, each containing complete MEC modules with all necessary power conversion and distribution equipment. This segmentation allows each section to be independently assembled and tested with emulated loads before final integration, and facilitates easier repair by isolating issues to specific modular sections rather than requiring access to centralized equipment bays distributed throughout the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
Each MEC module is pre-assembled and tested within its fuselage section before final aircraft integration. The modular design allows complete power distribution functionality to be verified in advance, and the self-contained nature of each MEC ensures that repairs can be performed on individual modules without disassembling the entire aircraft structure.
4Weight of moving object
If wire loops are minimized in composite aircraft, then weight is reduced, but lighting protection becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical system into multiple independent MEC zones with localized AC and DC busing. This creates numerous small, isolated electrical loops within each zone rather than one or two large wire loops spanning the entire aircraft. The segmented architecture inherently reduces lightning-induced current exposure while maintaining electrical connectivity through distributed power conversion at each MEC.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.