Dynamic Power Management for Aircraft Passenger Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems in passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, are inadequate in managing dynamic power loads and tend to cause rapid cycling between enabled and disabled states due to insufficient control over power distribution, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for power management that involves measuring input power and disabling load groups when exceeding a set power value, with loads being re-enabled if power remains below a release value for a specified time interval, allowing for centralized control and reducing rapid state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power limit thresholds are used to centrally control power supplies for passenger seats, then total power level can be managed within defined limits, but power outlets may be rapidly disabled and enabled in response to dynamically changing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power outlet availability based on real-time power load conditions. When power consumption exceeds the threshold, the system transitions outlets from enabled to disabled state, and when consumption falls below the threshold, outlets are re-enabled, creating a dynamic response to changing power demands while maintaining overall power level control
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system continuously monitors power consumption levels and uses this feedback to control the state of power outlets. The system compares actual power consumption against the defined threshold and adjusts outlet availability accordingly, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that manages total power levels while responding to dynamic load changes
2Ease of operation
If conventional power control architectures use master control units with tri-state unidirectional signals, then PED power can be managed at column level, but control over other equipment within the passenger cabin is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is designed to provide universal control capabilities across multiple types of equipment in the passenger cabin, not just PED power outlets. The system can manage diverse loads including lighting, entertainment systems, and other cabin equipment through a unified control architecture, making the system adaptable to various power management needs throughout the vehicle
3Power
If power outlets are disabled when power consumption exceeds threshold, then total power level is controlled, but user experience deteriorates due to rapid power disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of power consumption levels and uses hysteresis-based threshold comparison to determine when to disable or enable power outlets. This periodic action with built-in delay prevents rapid oscillation between states by requiring the power consumption to remain below the threshold for a specified time interval before re-enabling outlets, thereby improving power supply continuity while maintaining overall power control
Data Source
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AI summary
A power management system suitable for dynamically allocating power provided by a selected power source among one or more associated loads and methods for manufacturing and using same. In a normal operation mode, the power source provides power to one or more enabled loads. The selection of loads that are enabled, and therefore the provided power, can dynamically vary over time. If an undesired power condition arises, a power limiting mode is entered, wherein at least one of the enabled loads is disabled. The resultant power provided by the power source to the remaining enabled loads is measured, and the power limit mode is maintained until the undesired power condition is resolved. As needed, further corrective action, such as disabling additional enabled loads, can be applied to resolve the undesired power condition. The power management system thereby can comprise a hierarchical system for dynamically resolving undesired power conditions.