Multi-Stage Generator Voltage Regulator for Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Variable speed generators in aircraft face challenges in maintaining consistent output voltage across different rotational speeds and loads, leading to potential faults and the need for complex and heavy safety circuits to prevent over-voltage damage.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator is introduced in the field current supply line to limit the electrical power to the generator control unit, reducing the risk of excessive voltage and simplifying the system by making the voltage supplied to the control element independent of rotational speed, thus reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a variable speed generator is used to remove the mechanical speed changer, then weight and complexity are reduced, but output voltage varies with rotational speed and load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) supplied to the field current control element based on rotational speed. The regulator adjusts these parameters to compensate for speed variations, maintaining stable output voltage without requiring a mechanical speed changer, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and voltage stability.
2Weight of stationary object
If the regulator limits voltage and current to the field current control element, then over-voltage protection is simplified and weight is reduced, but the control element receives limited electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator preemptively limits the voltage and current supplied to the field current control element to prevent over-voltage conditions before they can occur. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for complex post-fault protection circuits, reducing weight while maintaining adequate power delivery within safe operating limits.
3Device complexity
If the voltage supplied to the control element is made independent of rotational speed, then system complexity is reduced and weight is reduced, but the generator cannot deliver designed output voltage at minimum speed and maximum load
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator dynamically adjusts voltage and current parameters to the field current control element based on detected rotational speed. At minimum speed with maximum load, the regulator increases these parameters to ensure the generator delivers the designed output voltage, while at higher speeds it reduces parameters to prevent over-voltage, thus maintaining reliability across all operating conditions.
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
The regulator ensures that the generator operates within safe voltage limits, reducing the risk of damage to electrical components and simplifying the system by eliminating the need for complex over-voltage protection circuits, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing weight.
Implementation Method 1
The first stage 110 is a pilot exciter. A pilot exciter is a source of electrical power for the subsequent stage exciter coil.
Implementation Method 2
a regulator, located between the output of the first stage and the field current control element, and arranged to limit a current and or voltage supplied to the field current control element by the first stage
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments aim to improve upon existing multi stage generators for providing power to a load. In particular, embodiments of the invention include a regulator situated between the output of a pilot exciter and the main exciter of a multi stage generator system, the regulator arranged to limit the voltage available to a field current control element which sets the field current supplied to the main exciter.