Electric Propulsion Monitoring with Time-Delayed Error Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric propulsion systems lack robust monitoring mechanisms to detect errors and anomalies in real-time, particularly in vertical takeoff capable aircraft, which rely on multiple electric motors for maneuverability and lift, necessitating precise control of RPM and torque to prevent failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a time-delayed model to monitor RPM and torque by introducing delays to expected parameter values, establishing upper and lower boundaries for acceptable performance, and raising error flags when measured values exceed these boundaries, allowing for corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time monitoring of RPM and torque is implemented in electric propulsion systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensors and processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electric motor's own controller and existing sensors to generate and monitor parameter models, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware. The controller leverages existing current and speed sensor data to create expected parameter models and detect anomalies, making the motor system self-monitoring and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares actual motor parameters against expected parameter models generated from control inputs, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism. When deviations exceed thresholds, the system generates alerts or modifies control inputs, enabling real-time reliability monitoring using existing system components and communication channels.
2Reliability
If parameter boundaries are established using time-delayed models to account for transient conditions, then false error detection is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase to accurately capture delayed parameter values
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes parameter boundaries by applying time delays to expected parameter values before comparing them with actual measurements. This preliminary boundary definition accounts for expected transient behavior and system response times, preventing false error detections during normal transient operations while maintaining accurate anomaly detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parameter models with different time delays are used to define acceptable performance ranges, then adaptability to transient conditions is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple model calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a limited set of discrete time delays (e.g., 0ms, 50ms, 100ms, 150ms, 200ms) rather than continuous delay variations. This partial action approach provides sufficient adaptability to cover typical transient response ranges while keeping computational complexity manageable through a finite, predetermined number of delay values.
Data Source
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AI summary
A electric propulsion performance monitoring system (100) and method (500), the method including generating (504) a propulsion model (202) associated with operation of an electric motor (106), determining (506) expected parameter values according to the propulsion model, where the expected parameters values are values of a parameter acquirable during the operation of the electric motor, determining (508) a plurality of delayed parameter value sets, where each delayed parameter value set is associated with the expected parameter values at a different associated delay from a time associated with the expected parameter values, determining (510, 512), according to the expected parameter values and the plurality of delayed parameter value sets, parameter boundaries, acquiring (520) a first parameter value for the operation of the electric motor, raising (532) an error flag in response to the first parameter value falling outside the parameter boundaries, and generating (534) commands for modifying operation of the electric motor in response to the error flag being raised.