Hybrid HV-LV Battery Module Layout to Block Voltage Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft battery systems face challenges in providing both high-voltage and low-voltage power efficiently, with high-voltage batteries risking propagation to low-voltage equipment and requiring separate dedicated batteries or converters, which are not optimal for space and safety.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid high-voltage and low-voltage DC battery system with battery modules arranged in parallel coherent strings, separated by a physical element, allowing independent control and management of each network to prevent fault propagation and optimize power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-voltage batteries are used for propulsion, then power-to-weight ratio and motor efficiency are improved, but the risk of high-voltage propagation to low-voltage equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-to-weight ratioVSAvoidhigh-voltage propagation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into two independent networks: a high-voltage network for propulsion and a low-voltage network for navigation equipment. Each network has its own battery modules and control devices, physically separating the high-voltage and low-voltage systems to prevent harmful voltage propagation while maintaining high power output for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A physical separation element is introduced as an intermediary between the high-voltage and low-voltage networks. This separation element acts as a barrier that prevents high-voltage currents from propagating to low-voltage equipment, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while allowing both systems to function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dedicated low-voltage batteries are used for navigation equipment, then low-voltage power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-voltage power supply reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the high-voltage and low-voltage battery systems into a single hybrid battery system with unified battery modules that serve both networks. The battery modules are configured with parallel coherent strings that can be distributed to form both high-voltage and low-voltage networks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated batteries and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery modules are designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes. Each module can contribute to both the high-voltage propulsion network and the low-voltage navigation network through its parallel string configuration, allowing a single battery system to fulfill multiple power supply requirements without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If converters are used between high-voltage and low-voltage systems, then voltage conversion capability is improved, but the risk of high-voltage propagation and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion capabilityVSAvoidhigh-voltage propagation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the converter component from the system by directly configuring battery modules to provide both high-voltage and low-voltage outputs through their parallel string arrangements. This eliminates the need for intermediate conversion devices that could propagate high-voltage currents, while still maintaining the capability to supply both voltage levels directly from the battery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If battery modules are configured with identical parallel channels, then cell management simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different voltage requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell management simplicityVSAvoidvoltage level adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the battery system, allowing the parallel strings of battery cells to be dynamically allocated to different voltage networks based on requirements. The system can adapt its configuration to provide both high-voltage and low-voltage outputs from the same modular components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving voltage adaptability through flexible network distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260045616A1High-voltage direct current battery system with low-voltage storage module

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER

AI summary

This system comprises one of the battery modules coupled to at least one control device and formed of battery cells arranged in parallel coherent strings of battery cells, the battery modules being distributed in two independent networks including a high-voltage network and a low-voltage network coupled in series, the low-voltage network including a battery module including a first sub-network and a second sub-network electrically separated from the first sub-network by a physical separation element arranged on the battery module of said low-voltage network, characterised in that each battery module of the high-voltage network includes a number of parallel coherent strings of battery cells equal to the number of parallel coherent strings of battery cells of each battery module of the first sub-network.