Dual-Voltage DC Power Supply for Generator Failure Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC/DC power conversion systems in small aircraft fail to maintain power delivery to high-voltage loads when one AC power generator fails, leading to a need for improved systems that do not increase weight or cost.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system with a DC power source, dual DC/DC converters, and a protection circuit that allows selective transfer of power to high-voltage loads, including error condition detection and backup power management, to ensure continuous power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct AC/DC converters are used for high-voltage and low-voltage loads, then power delivery to both loads is ensured under normal conditions, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single AC/DC converter that can operate in multiple modes: normally converting AC power to both high-voltage DC (for high-voltage loads) and low-voltage DC (for low-voltage loads), and during fault conditions, automatically reconfiguring to provide power to both voltage levels from the same converter. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated converters for each voltage level, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate high-voltage and low-voltage AC/DC converters into a single integrated AC/DC converter unit. This converter includes a primary conversion stage that generates high-voltage DC and a secondary conversion stage that can derive low-voltage DC from either the AC input or the high-voltage DC output, combining multiple power conversion functions into one device.
2Reliability
If backup power systems are implemented, then power availability during failures is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the single AC/DC converter to serve itself as a backup power source. During normal operation, the converter provides power to both high-voltage and low-voltage loads. When a failure is detected (either AC input failure or high-voltage output failure), the converter automatically reconfigures its internal circuitry to derive low-voltage power from its own high-voltage DC output through a secondary conversion stage, eliminating the need for separate backup power systems or batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage DC output normally intended for high-voltage loads serves as an intermediary energy source. When AC power fails, this high-voltage DC output becomes the intermediate power source that the secondary conversion stage uses to generate low-voltage DC for low-voltage loads, enabling the system to bootstrap its own backup capability without external backup components.
3Reliability
If AC power generators are prioritized for low-voltage EMS power, then safety is improved, but high-voltage load power delivery may cease during failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the AC/DC converter can automatically switch between different power delivery modes based on system conditions. During normal operation, the converter prioritizes low-voltage EMS power as required. When AC power failure or high-voltage output failure is detected, the converter dynamically reconfigures its internal circuitry and control logic to provide power to both high-voltage and low-voltage loads from the available power source, adapting to the failure condition in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the AC/DC converter during failure conditions. The converter modifies its conversion ratios, switching frequencies, and circuit configuration to enable the secondary conversion stage to operate from the high-voltage DC output. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a single-power-source architecture to a self-backed-up architecture, gaining adaptability without adding hardware.
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 maintains power to both high and low-voltage loads during AC power generator failures without doubling AC/DC conversion systems, reducing weight and cost while ensuring safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC/DC converter adapted for converting the DC power from the DC power source to DC power at a high voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second DC/DC converter adapted for receiving DC power from the first DC/DC converter, for converting the received DC power to DC power at a low voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply comprises a DC power source, first and second DC/DC converters, and a protection circuit. The DC power source provides DC power at a variable bulk voltage. The first DC/DC converter converts the DC power from the DC power source to DC power at a high voltage suitable for powering a high-voltage load. The second DC/DC converter receives DC power from the first DC/DC converter, converts the received DC power to DC power at a low voltage, and delivers the DC power at the low voltage to a low-voltage load. The protection circuit selectively transfers DC power from the first DC/DC converter to the high-voltage load. The DC power source may be an AC/DC converter receiving AC power from a power generator driven by an aircraft engine.