Dynamic Energy Supply System Bypassing Converter for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy supply systems in aircraft and spacecraft suffer from inefficiencies due to constant operation of converters across the entire voltage and power range, leading to significant power losses and increased weight from cooling requirements, especially when maximum power is required.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply system that dynamically couples the output to either a converter or directly to the energy source based on the electrical power needed, bypassing the converter when the energy source's output voltage is within the required specifications, thereby reducing power losses and system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional converters operate over the entire output voltage range and power range of the energy source, then the converter can provide continuous voltage conversion capability, but the power loss increases significantly (up to 3.6 kW at 60 kW output) and cooling requirements increase weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the converter connection dynamic rather than static. A switching device dynamically couples the converter to the energy source based on real-time operating conditions. When the energy source operates in a voltage range suitable for direct supply, the switching device bypasses the converter. When voltage conversion is needed, the converter is activated. This dynamic approach reduces energy loss by avoiding unnecessary conversion while maintaining adaptability across the full operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the converter from the continuous power path and places it in a selective configuration. Instead of the converter being always connected in the power flow path, it is taken out and reconnected only when voltage conversion is required. The switching device controls this extraction and reconnection, allowing the system to operate with direct connection during optimal conditions, thereby reducing energy loss and cooling requirements.
2Power
If traditional converters are designed to operate over the entire power range including maximum power, then the converter can handle peak demands, but the converter size and cooling system weight increase to an undesirable extent
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device dynamically controls the converter's inclusion in the power path based on instantaneous power requirements. During peak power demands that require voltage conversion, the converter is activated and handles the full power load. During periods when direct connection is sufficient, the converter is bypassed, allowing the system to achieve high power capability without permanently sizing the converter and its cooling system for maximum continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device serves multiple functions: it acts as a bypass switch during direct supply mode, as a control switch for the converter during conversion mode, and as a protective device. This multi-functionality allows the converter to be shared between direct connection and voltage conversion operations, reducing the need for dedicated high-power conversion capacity and associated cooling infrastructure.
3Reliability
If converters are used to convert output voltage to supply voltage, then the electrical systems can operate with stable voltage, but the converter efficiency of approximately 94% results in significant power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage conversion function from the continuous operational path and makes it conditional. The switching device monitors the energy source output voltage and compares it with the required supply voltage. When the output voltage is within the acceptable range for direct supply, the converter is taken out of the power path and bypassed. Voltage conversion is only activated when the energy source voltage falls outside the acceptable range, thereby eliminating unnecessary conversion losses while maintaining voltage stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device enables the system to skip the voltage conversion step entirely when the energy source output voltage is already suitable for the electrical systems. Instead of routing power through the converter in these conditions, the switching device creates a direct path from the energy source to the electrical systems, allowing power to 'rush through' without conversion losses. This skipping mechanism maintains voltage stability by using direct connection only when voltage requirements are naturally met.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy supply system, an aircraft and spacecraft using such an energy supply system and a method for providing electrical energy with the energy supply system. The energy supply system comprises an energy source which generates a direct current or a direct voltage. A converter is coupled to the energy source and is designed to convert the generated direct current or the generated direct voltage into an output current specified for the energy supply system or an output voltage specified for the energy supply system. A switching device is designed to couple an output of the energy supply system to the converter or directly to the energy source as a function of the electrical power required by the energy supply system.