Interconnected ECU and EPC for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Powerplant Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems for hybrid-electric aircraft power plants lack effective methods for protecting and controlling these systems, particularly in scenarios of overtorque, overspeed, and sensor failures, which can lead to unsafe operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an interconnected system where the ECU and EPC work redundantly to power down both the electric motor and heat engine through sensor connections, using breakers and solenoids to manage power and fuel flow, ensuring safe shutdowns and preventing erroneous commands or failures from causing system malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separate control systems are used for heat engine and electric motor, then system simplicity is maintained, but protection reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of ECU and EPC into an interconnected system where both controllers can monitor and control both the heat engine and electric motor. This cross-controllability allows either controller to initiate shutdown of either component, providing redundant protection pathways and significantly improving reliability without requiring a completely separate dual-controller architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring cross-protection pathways between ECU and EPC. Before any failure or erroneous command occurs, both controllers are equipped with the capability to monitor critical parameters and initiate shutdown sequences. This preparatory arrangement ensures that protection is already in place when needed, preventing system damage from overtorque, overspeed, or controller failures.
2Reliability
If single-controller shutdown is implemented, then response speed is improved, but protection coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU and EPC are designed with universal control capabilities, where each controller can independently perform shutdown functions for both the heat engine and electric motor. This multi-functionality ensures that protection coverage is comprehensive regardless of which controller detects the fault, as either controller can initiate the appropriate shutdown sequence for the affected component or both components.
3Reliability
If cross-protection pathways are added between ECU and EPC, then system safety is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-protection pathways incorporate feedback mechanisms where ECU and EPC continuously monitor each other's status and critical system parameters. When either controller detects an unsafe condition or malfunction in the other controller, the feedback signal triggers an automatic shutdown sequence. This feedback-based approach ensures system safety through intelligent interconnection rather than simple hardwired switches, managing complexity through software-based coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes controlling an electric motor of a hybrid-electric powerplant for an aircraft using an EPC (electric powertrain controller) and controlling a heat engine of the hybrid-electric powerplant using an ECU (engine control unit). The method includes performing at least one of the following to protect the hybrid-electric powerplant: using the ECU to power down the electric motor, and/or using the EPC to power down the heat engine.