Dual-Function Solid-State Converter for Aircraft Ground Power and Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased use of electrically powered ground support equipment at airports has led to increased demands on airport electrical power distribution systems for battery charging, necessitating additional electrical distribution centers, and there is a risk of damaging ground support vehicles when charging from power converters mounted on passenger bridges due to bridge movement.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function solid-state power converter mounted on a passenger boarding bridge that supplies both AC or DC ground power to aircraft and DC battery charging power to ground support vehicles, equipped with an electrical interlock circuit to prevent bridge movement during battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional electrical distribution centers are installed to support battery charging at multiple remote locations, then the capacity requirements of airport electrical power distribution systems are met, but the expense of introducing more electrically powered ground support equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply ground power to parked aircraft and simultaneously provide battery charging power to electrically powered ground support equipment. This multi-functionality allows existing power converters to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables ground support equipment to charge their batteries autonomously by connecting to available power converters through the cable storage reel assembly, without requiring dedicated charging stations or additional electrical distribution centers. The equipment serves its own charging needs using existing airport infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If the power converter is mounted on a passenger boarding bridge to provide battery charging, then the need for additional electrical centers is reduced, but movement of the bridge may damage parked ground support vehicles under charge and the cables supplying battery charging current
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect when the cable is deployed and connected to ground support equipment, and this information feeds back to the bridge control system. When a charging connection is detected, the control system automatically inhibits bridge movement, preventing damage to the vehicle and cable. When the cable is retracted, movement inhibition is removed, allowing normal bridge operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable storage reel assembly acts as an intermediary between the power converter and ground support equipment, providing a flexible connection that can accommodate bridge movement while maintaining electrical contact. The reel mechanism allows the cable to pay out and rewind, serving as a buffer that protects both the bridge and the equipment from damage.
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
The converter efficiently manages power distribution, reducing the need for additional electrical centers and preventing damage to ground support vehicles by inhibiting bridge movement during charging, thus enhancing operational safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier circuit for converting the applied alternating current to a direct current
Implementation Method 2
an inverter circuit for converting the direct current to the primary AC output current
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~5B
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A dual function solid state power converter operable from a three phase AC input current simultaneously provides; an AC or DC output current on an aircraft power cable which extends from a stowed position to provide ground power to a parked aircraft, and a low voltage DC current on a battery charging power cable which extends from a stowed position to charge batteries in nearby service vehicles. The power converter includes an AC to DC converter which converts the AC input current to a DC current on an internal DC bus, a DC to AC converter which converts the DC bus current to an AC current at a higher voltage and frequency, or a DC to DC converter which converts the DC bus current to a lower voltage DC, for supplying ground power by means of a connecting cable to a parked aircraft, and a DC to DC converter for converting the DC bus current to a lower voltage battery charging current on the battery charging cable. In an airport environment the power converter may be advantageously mounted on a passenger boarding bridge and a motion inhibit circuit may be provided to prevent movement of the boarding bridge when either the aircraft ground power cable or battery charging cable are not in a stowed position. The power converter may also be mounted on a wheeled cart for positioning by a tug, or installed in a remote stationary position.