Ground Power Unit Wide Input Voltage Rectifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground power units are inefficient and costly due to the need for separate units to accommodate different aircraft power standards, as they are typically limited to specific input voltage ranges and frequencies, requiring manual reconfiguration and maintenance for compatibility with various aircraft types.
Innovation Solution
A ground power unit capable of accepting a wide range of AC input voltages and frequencies, featuring a power supply unit with a rectifier and DC-to-DC switching converter that automatically adjusts to provide DC output voltages suitable for various aircraft, using a single-phase transformer and PWM controller to optimize efficiency and reduce the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GPUs are configured to produce a specific output power, then they can reliably power a particular aircraft type, but separate ground power units are required for each aircraft power standard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the power supply circuitry through a control system that automatically detects the required output power characteristics and adjusts transformer taps, switching between different winding configurations to provide appropriate voltage and frequency outputs for different aircraft types, eliminating the need for manual intervention or separate dedicated units for each aircraft standard
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is designed with multiple transformer windings and selectable tap points that enable a single GPU to universally support multiple aircraft power standards (e.g., 115V/400Hz, 28V DC, and other configurations), allowing one device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized units
2Reliability
If separate ground power units are maintained for each power standard, then each unit can be optimized for its specific aircraft type, but the costs and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power output capabilities into a single integrated power supply unit, merging the functions of what would traditionally require separate dedicated GPUs for different aircraft types into one unified system with reconfigurable output stages that can serve multiple aircraft power standards simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically selects and configures the appropriate transformer windings and output parameters based on the detected aircraft type and power requirements, enabling the single unit to adapt its internal configuration in real-time rather than requiring static dedicated hardware for each aircraft standard
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration is performed to accommodate different aircraft power standards, then compatibility is achieved, but time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit incorporates automatic detection and self-configuration capabilities where the control system monitors the connected aircraft's power requirements and autonomously adjusts the transformer taps and output parameters without requiring manual intervention from operators, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to different aircraft types
Solution Approach 2:
The control system employs feedback mechanisms that monitor the aircraft's power consumption characteristics and automatically adjust the power supply output accordingly, using real-time information about the connected aircraft's requirements to self-regulate the voltage, frequency, and current delivery without manual reconfiguration
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective power supply to a variety of aircraft types without the need for multiple units, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining high efficiency across different load conditions, including no-load scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply unit includes a rectifier that converts an AC input power to a DC link power
Implementation Method 2
The DC link power and the output of the gate drive circuitry are provided to a transformer, which modulates the signals and produces a first DC output power signal that is load independent and a second DC output power signal that is load dependent
Data Source
AI summary
A ground power unit having a power supply unit capable of accepting a wide range of AC input voltages and producing one or more DC power signals for powering components of the GPU is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply unit includes a rectifier that converts an AC input power to a DC link power. The power supply unit includes a gate driving circuit that has a power MOSFET transistor which, under the control of a PWM controller, produces a switched DC signal. The DC link power and the output of the gate drive circuitry are provided to a transformer, which modulates the signals and produces a first DC output power signal that is load independent and a second DC output power signal that is load dependent.