Double-Star Synchronous Machine Control with Unconnected Neutrals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-star synchronous machines with unconnected neutrals in aerospace and aeronautical applications face challenges in reducing system cost and mass while maintaining reliability, as existing solutions often require complex and costly power switches and increased system mass during redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A control system for a double-star synchronous machine with unconnected neutrals, featuring N regularly spaced branches offset by 90°, utilizing N control units and conversion elements to convert electrical energy into secondary sources, allowing for autonomous control without reconfiguration in case of failure, and incorporating feedback loops for precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cold redundancy is implemented by doubling or tripling electrical parts, then reliability is improved, but system mass and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into N independent control units, each managing a specific pair of branches. This segmentation allows the system to operate with only the necessary control units active, avoiding the need to duplicate the entire control system for redundancy, thus reducing mass while maintaining reliability through selective operation of independent segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit is designed to be universal, capable of controlling any pair of branches separated by 90°. This multi-functionality allows the same control unit hardware to serve multiple purposes across different operational modes and redundancy scenarios, eliminating the need for dedicated redundant control systems and reducing overall system mass.
2Reliability
If cold redundancy with doubled electrical parts is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required power switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into independent control units that can operate autonomously. This segmentation simplifies the power switching requirements by allowing individual control units to manage their respective branch pairs independently, reducing the complexity of coordinated power switching across the entire system while maintaining reliability through redundant control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control unit is designed to be self-sufficient, capable of independently controlling its assigned branch pair without requiring complex inter-unit coordination or additional power switches. This self-service capability reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for sophisticated power management systems while maintaining system reliability.
3Reliability
If hot redundancy is implemented with doubled electrical and mechanical parts, then service continuity is improved, but system mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into N independent control units, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation enables hot redundancy with service continuity because if one control unit fails, the others continue to operate their respective branch pairs without interruption, eliminating the need for complete system duplication and reducing mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units are pre-configured with the capability to take over additional branch pairs in case of failure. This preliminary preparation allows seamless transition and continuous service without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional redundant hardware, thus maintaining service continuity while minimizing system mass.
4Measurement precision
If multiple conversion means are used for each branch, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions for each 90° separated branch pair into a single integrated control unit. This merging maintains control precision by providing dedicated control for each critical axis while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate conversion means for each individual branch, as the paired control handles both branches efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
The system has an electric energy conversion module (MCE) converting electric energy delivered by a primary power supply source (SAP) to secondary power supply sources supplying power to branches (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Control units (UC1-UC3) control the secondary power supply sources associated to one of couples of the branches separated by an angle equal to 90 degrees. The primary power supply source has electric batteries connected to conversion elements of the conversion module, respectively. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a double star synchronous machine.