Electric Taxiing System Load Control via PID Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical power sources on aircraft, such as APU, are often overloaded when an electric taxiing system is integrated, leading to potential damage and reduced efficiency due to intermittent operation of other electrical systems during taxiing phases.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling the electric taxiing system that adapts the load to reach a target maximum rated load, protecting the power source and optimizing its operation by prioritizing the electric taxiing system and using a control method involving a processing chain with proportional, integral, and derivative regulation to manage load adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pre-existing electrical power source is sized to optimally supply the maximum rated load, then the power source can handle peak demand, but it operates inefficiently under lower loads during taxiing phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source capacityVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical power source adjustable and adaptable to varying load conditions. The control system dynamically adjusts the power distribution based on real-time monitoring of load conditions, allowing the system to transition between different operational states (taxiing mode vs. normal mode) to optimize efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the electrical power source by introducing a control method that monitors load conditions and adjusts power distribution accordingly. The system modifies parameters such as power allocation to different consumers and activates/d deactivates specific electrical systems based on whether the aircraft is in taxiing mode or normal operation, thereby optimizing efficiency across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the electric taxiing system is integrated into the existing electrical architecture, then the system can utilize pre-existing power sources, but the total load may exceed the maximum rated load when all systems operate simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoidoverload damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through control means that continuously monitor the load conditions of the electrical power source. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts power distribution, prioritizes critical systems, and can deactivate non-essential electrical systems when the total load approaches or exceeds the maximum rated load, preventing damage while maintaining integration simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the electrical power source and the various electrical consumers. This intermediary manages power distribution, implements load shedding when necessary, and ensures that the total load remains within safe limits while allowing the electric taxiing system to integrate with the existing electrical architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the pre-existing electrical power source supplies all electrical systems simultaneously, then all systems have access to power, but the power supply efficiency decreases when the total load is close to or exceeds the maximum rated load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidpower supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical consumers into different categories or groups (e.g., critical systems vs. non-critical systems, taxiing systems vs. other systems). The control system can selectively activate or deactivate specific segments based on operational mode and load conditions, ensuring that power is distributed efficiently while maintaining availability of essential functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3252561B1A method of controlling an electrical taxiing system
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
  • EP3252561B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3252561B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3252561B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Method for controlling an aircraft electric taxiing system, comprising the steps of: - defining a target value (Ch_nmax) of an electrical parameter; - generating a nominal force command (Comm_nom) of the electric taxiing system; - implementing, in parallel with the generation of the nominal force command (Comm_nom), a processing chain (2) intended to produce a maximum control force (Eff_max) of the electric taxiing system so that an actual value of the electrical parameter reaches the target value (Ch_nmax), the processing chain (2) comprising a control loop (4); - generating an optimized force command (Comm_opt) of the electric taxiing system equal to the minimum between the nominal force command and the maximum control force.