eVTOL Bidirectional Charging for Controlled Battery Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The technology of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft lacks effective energy source solutions, particularly in managing power source discharge and data acquisition during bidirectional charging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for bidirectional charging between an electric aircraft and a charging station, allowing power transfer in both directions, including a controller to manage discharge beyond a predetermined level and collect power data, with features like cooling systems and machine-learning for demand forecasting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power source is discharged beyond a predetermined level to enable bidirectional charging, then energy management efficiency is improved, but the reliability of the power source may deteriorate due to excessive discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the depth of discharge parameter and uses this feedback to control the discharge process. When the depth of discharge reaches the predetermined level, the controller automatically terminates or adjusts the discharge, preventing excessive discharge while enabling efficient energy management through bidirectional charging operations.
2Measurement precision
If the power source is fully discharged to mimic load conditions for data acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but the duration of action of the power source is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs full discharge operations in advance during bidirectional charging to collect power data and mimic load conditions. This preliminary action enables accurate measurement of power source characteristics without affecting the operational duration during actual flight, as the power source is recharged afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to a system for discharging a power source of an electric aircraft. System may be configured to transfer power from the electric aircraft via a charging connection. In one or more embodiments, a charging station in electric communication with the power source may discharge the power source. For example, a controller communicatively connected to the electric aircraft may be configured to receive a supply request from a user and subsequently, generate a control signal that initiates a transfer of electrical power from the power supply to discharge the power source so that power data associated with the discharge may be collected and transmitted to the controller or a remote device of the user.