Dual Saturable Reactor Power Supply for Full PMG Voltage Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems for aircraft, utilizing a saturable reactor topology, only utilize the positive half of the PMG output voltage, necessitating an oversized PMG to meet power demands and lacking efficient voltage regulation across varying load and speed ranges.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system incorporating two saturable reactors in parallel, connected to the AC phases of a PMG, with a reactor controller for voltage regulation, and capacitors to utilize the negative half of the PMG output voltage, enabling reduced PMG sizing and improved voltage control across varying frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional saturable reactor topology is used, then cost-effectiveness and heat withstand capability are improved, but PMG size must be increased to meet power demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the PMG output into multiple phases (three-phase AC input) and processes each phase through separate saturable reactors, allowing parallel processing of positive and negative half-cycles. This segmentation enables full utilization of PMG output without requiring oversizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous utilization of PMG output by processing both positive and negative half-cycles through the dual saturable reactor configuration. The first reactor handles positive half-cycles while the second reactor handles negative half-cycles, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the entire AC cycle without idle periods.
2Device complexity
If conventional saturable reactor topology is used, then simpler construction is maintained, but voltage regulation across varying load and speed ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor controller receives feedback regarding the output voltage from both saturable reactors and adjusts the control winding excitation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic voltage regulation across varying load conditions and PMG speeds while maintaining the simplicity of the saturable reactor topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to varying load and speed conditions by adjusting the control winding excitation in real-time. The saturable reactors' magnetic characteristics naturally provide dynamic response to changing operating conditions, and the controller optimizes performance across the entire operating range.
3Device complexity
If only positive half of PMG output voltage is utilized, then conventional topology is maintained, but power efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dual saturable reactor system continuously processes both positive and negative half-cycles of the PMG output, eliminating idle periods and maximizing energy utilization. The first reactor processes positive half-cycles while the second reactor processes negative half-cycles, achieving continuous useful action and improved power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously wasted negative half-cycle into a useful resource by processing it through the second saturable reactor. What was originally a harmful waste (unused negative half-cycle) is transformed into a beneficial contribution to the overall power output, improving system efficiency without adding significant complexity.
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 system effectively utilizes the negative half of the PMG output voltage, reducing PMG size requirements and enabling better voltage control at high speeds, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and efficiency comparable to current switching power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
A first saturable reactor is electrically connected to the first AC phase input, to the second AC phase input, and to the third AC phase input. The first saturable reactor is electrically connected to a first DC output. A second saturable reactor is electrically connected in parallel with the first saturable reactor
Implementation Method 2
Each PMG phase is connected to a diode. The output of each diode is fed into the reactor
Implementation Method 3
A first capacitor can be connected between the first DC output and the neutral line. A second capacitor can be connected between the second DC output and the neutral line
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a first saturable reactor electrically connected to a first AC phase input, to a second AC phase input, and to a third AC phase input. The first saturable reactor is electrically connected to a first DC output. A second saturable reactor is electrically connected in parallel with the first saturable reactor to the first AC phase input, to the second AC phase input, and to the third AC phase input. The second saturable reactor is electrically connected to a second DC output. A reactor controller can be operatively connected to the first saturable reactor and to the second saturable reactor to regulate DC output voltage to the first and second DC outputs.