Aircraft Energy Module Planning for Fleet Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing power demand during flight operations, particularly in optimizing the use of replaceable energy modules and reducing the frequency of module replacement.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a power distribution network with dischargeable power system modules, each comprising a chassis with replaceable energy modules and an energy management module that controls power distribution based on energy demands. This system allows for power sharing between modules during flight phases like cruise, approach, and landing, thereby reducing the number of energy modules that need to be replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft uses replaceable energy modules in power distribution systems, then the flexibility and adaptability of power management is improved, but the complexity of managing module replacement and inventory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into modular energy modules that can be independently managed, tracked, and replaced. Each module is a discrete unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the system to handle complexity through modular segmentation rather than monolithic management.
Solution Approach 2:
An energy management system acts as an intermediary between the physical energy modules and the flight operation requirements. This intermediary system automatically tracks module locations, monitors power demands, coordinates replacements, and manages inventory across the fleet, thereby reducing the operational complexity of handling replaceable modules.
2Productivity
If the aircraft fleet implements a fleet-wide energy management system with centralized control, then the overall energy efficiency and resource allocation is improved, but the system complexity and data management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management system performs multiple functions through a single integrated platform: tracking energy module locations across the fleet, monitoring power demands of individual aircraft, coordinating module replacements, managing inventory levels, and optimizing energy allocation. This multi-functionality improves productivity while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects data from aircraft about power demands and module status, processes this information centrally, and provides feedback control by adjusting module allocations and replacement schedules. This feedback mechanism enables efficient resource allocation while managing complexity through automated closed-loop control rather than manual coordination.
3Reliability
If the aircraft operates with multiple dischargeable power system modules that can share power, then the operational reliability and continuity is improved, but the power distribution system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dischargeable power system modules are electrically combined into a unified power distribution network that allows modules to share power loads. This merging provides redundancy and reliability - if one module fails or needs replacement, others can compensate - while the system manages the complexity of multiple modules through integrated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an energy management system for a fleet of aircraft, can include receiving a desired flight plan database for the fleet of aircraft, defining at least a desired flight plan for each of the fleet of aircraft and a location of each of the fleet of aircraft, and generating a power source inventory distribution plan for the at least a subset of the desired flight plans for the fleet of aircraft.