eVTOL Low-Voltage Bus Isolation With Alternate Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems in aircraft, particularly eVTOLs, suffer from noise propagation, overloads, and electrical disturbances across interconnected low-voltage DC buses, requiring additional weight and maintenance due to primary and backup power sources.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with electrically separate buses and an alternate power supply, utilizing high-voltage power sources connected via separate converters and switching networks, allowing for rapid switching to alternate power in case of failures, eliminating the need for dedicated backup batteries and generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interconnected low-voltage DC buses are used to maintain power during failure, then power availability is improved, but noise propagation and electrical disturbances increase across buses
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system divides the aircraft electrical system into multiple electrically isolated low-voltage DC buses (Bus 1, Bus 2, etc.) that are segmented and not directly interconnected. Each bus has its own dedicated primary power source, preventing noise and disturbances from propagating across the entire system while maintaining power availability through localized backup sources.
2Reliability
If primary and backup power sources are provided for each low-voltage DC bus, then power reliability is improved, but weight and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage power source serves multiple functions: it provides primary power to multiple low-voltage DC buses through separate converters, and can also serve as a backup power source for any bus through the switching network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated backup batteries at each bus, reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Switching devices act as intermediaries between the high-voltage power source and low-voltage DC buses, enabling rapid power transfer and backup functionality without requiring physical backup batteries at each bus. The switching network mediates power distribution dynamically based on system needs.
3Weight of moving object
If electrically separate buses with alternate power supply are used, then weight is reduced, but system complexity increases due to switching networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical backup power sources (physical batteries and generators at each bus) with an electrical switching network controlled by controllers. This substitution reduces weight while managing complexity through automated control logic that handles power source switching based on system conditions.
4Loss of time
If rapid switching to alternate power is implemented, then power interruption time is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching devices and controllers are pre-configured with logic to detect power failures and automatically switch to alternate power sources within 200 milliseconds. This preliminary setup of control logic enables rapid response without requiring complex real-time decision-making during actual failures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides high-availability low-voltage power with reduced weight and maintenance, minimizing power interruptions and inter-bus disturbances, ensuring continuous operation even under single or multiple component failures.
Implementation Method 1
a first power source connected to a first step-down converter, the first step-down converter being connected via a first switching device to a first bus
Implementation Method 2
the first step-down converter being connected via a first switching device to a first bus, and a second power source connected to a second step-down converter, the second step-down converter being connected via a second switching device to a second bus
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a system may comprise at least two power supplies which may comprise a first power source, a first step-down converter, a first switching device, a first bus, a second power source, a second step-down converter, a second switching device, and a second bus, the first and second buses being electrically separate. An exemplary system may further comprise an alternate power supply comprising a third power source and an alternate step-down converter connected to at least the first and second buses via at least a third switching device, the alternate power supply acting as a backup power supply configured to be used after a failure of one or more of the at least two power supplies. In some embodiments, the first and second switching devices may be controlled by at least a first controller and the at least third switching device may be controlled by an alternate controller.