Dynamic Power Allocation for Aircraft Electrical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems in aircraft struggle to efficiently utilize available maximum power, leading to inefficiencies and increased weight and cost, as they are designed to supply equal power to all passengers and devices simultaneously, regardless of varying power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a converter module and power profile management device that negotiates individual power profiles with electrical consumers, adjusts power reserves, and reallocates power to ensure minimum guaranteed power supply while optimizing power usage based on real-time demand, using USB interfaces and specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power distribution systems are designed to supply equal power to all passengers and devices simultaneously, then all electrical consumers can be guaranteed minimum power supply, but the system weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the power distribution system continuously monitors actual power consumption of connected devices and adjusts power supply in real-time. The control unit dynamically renegotiates power profiles based on current demand, allowing the system to transition from static equal power distribution to adaptive dynamic allocation, thereby reducing required system capacity and weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter from fixed equal allocation to variable allocation based on actual consumption. By monitoring power consumption parameters and adjusting supply levels dynamically, the system optimizes power distribution to match actual needs, reducing the maximum power capacity required and thus reducing system weight and costs.
2Reliability
If power distribution systems are designed to supply equal power to all passengers and devices simultaneously, then all electrical consumers can be guaranteed minimum power supply, but the system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the power distribution system continuously monitors actual power consumption of connected devices and adjusts power supply in real-time. The control unit dynamically renegotiates power profiles based on current demand, allowing the system to transition from static equal power distribution to adaptive dynamic allocation, thereby reducing required system capacity and weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to self-report their power consumption and requirements through negotiation protocols. Each connected device participates in power profile negotiation, providing information about its actual power needs, which allows the power distribution system to allocate power efficiently without requiring oversized capacity for all possible scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum power of the converter is increased to supply more electrical consumers simultaneously, then more devices can be powered, but the weight and costs of the power distribution system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and negotiation of power profiles with connected devices. By continuously tracking actual power consumption and maintaining active power management, the system ensures that power is always allocated efficiently to the maximum number of devices possible within available capacity, maximizing adaptability without requiring excess power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors actual power consumption of connected devices and uses this information to dynamically adjust power allocation. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing numbers of connected devices and their power requirements, optimizing the use of available power capacity without requiring oversized converters.
4Productivity
If individual power profiles are negotiated with each electrical consumer, then power can be allocated efficiently based on actual demand, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions including monitoring power consumption, negotiating power profiles, calculating power reserves, and reallocating power. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves efficient individual power profile management without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Connected devices participate actively in power profile negotiation by self-reporting their power consumption and requirements. This self-service approach reduces the burden on the power distribution system's control unit, as devices provide their own information rather than requiring complex sensing and measurement systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power distribution system has a converter module having a converter to convert AC voltage from AC voltage sources to DC voltage and provide DC voltage power with adjustable maximum power values at electrical output interfaces of the converter module to a maximum module power value. It includes a power profile management device to negotiate individual power profiles with electrical consumers connectable to the electrical output interfaces, according to which individual power profiles electrical power up to a negotiated maximum power value is provided by the converter via the electrical output interface. The device detects instantaneous actual power consumption with which an individually negotiated power profile and calculates a power reserve value of the converter as the difference between negotiated maximum power value and instantaneous actual power consumption and negotiate with consumers whose power reserve value is higher than an adjustable reserve threshold value a new power profile.