Hybrid Engine Power Control for Rotorcraft Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary wing aircraft face inefficiencies in energy use due to the need to distribute power equally among multiple heat engines, leading to operating ranges that are not optimized for energy efficiency, which can reduce flight duration and distance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processing unit that evaluates conditions to put one heat engine to rest and accelerate the others, with the assistance of an electric unit to maintain optimal power levels, allowing for optimized energy efficiency by operating heat engines at their most favorable performance points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is distributed equally among multiple heat engines, then reliability and safety are improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing unequal power distribution among heat engines. Instead of requiring equal power sharing for safety, the system permits asymmetric operation where one engine can be idled while another provides all necessary power, combined with asymmetric energy storage architecture using capacitors and batteries to balance power delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces energy storage devices (capacitors and batteries) as intermediaries between the heat engines and the power transmission system. These intermediaries buffer power fluctuations, enabling one engine to be idled while the other compensates, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of unequal engine operation and stable power supply.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heat engines operate at moderate power levels to meet flight requirements, then adaptability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time switching between different engine configurations. The system can dynamically transition between one-engine and two-engine operation modes, and between idle and active states, allowing heat engines to operate at optimal power levels (including high-efficiency moderate power or maximum power when needed) rather than fixed moderate power, thus maintaining adaptability while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of heat engines by allowing them to operate at different power levels including idle state, moderate power for efficiency, and maximum power for performance. The system modifies engine operational parameters dynamically based on flight conditions, energy storage state, and efficiency requirements, rather than maintaining fixed parameter settings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If one heat engine is idled to improve energy efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-charging energy storage devices (capacitors and batteries) before single-engine operation. This prior energy buffering cushions the system against potential engine failures, allowing one engine to be idled for efficiency while the energy storage system provides a safety margin that compensates for reduced redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage devices serve as intermediaries that decouple the reliability function from the efficiency function. They mediate between the reduced redundancy of single-engine operation and the safety requirements, providing power buffering and transient support that maintains reliability standards even when one engine is idled for fuel efficiency.
4Reliability
If heat engines operate continuously to maintain safety redundancy, then reliability is improved, but duration of action deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redundancy function from continuous engine operation. Instead of requiring both engines to run continuously for safety, the system extracts the essential redundancy benefit through energy storage devices that provide power buffering and transient support, allowing one engine to be idled while maintaining effective redundancy through the stored energy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system provides self-service by automatically managing power delivery and engine control to optimize the balance between redundancy and fuel consumption. The system autonomously determines when to idle engines and when to activate them, using the stored energy to maintain safety standards without requiring continuous operation of all engines, thus extending flight duration.
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
This approach improves overall power transmission efficiency, enabling the aircraft to maintain or exceed optimal energy performance speeds while reducing fuel consumption and increasing flight duration and distance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric motor which can operate in an electric motor mode and in an electric generator mode
Implementation Method 2
at least two heat engines
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a group (2) of motors developing a required power (Wnec) to drive a rotor (3), said group (2) of motors being equipped with at least one electrical component (4), an electrical storage means (5), and a first number (n) of internal combustion engines (6) greater than or equal to two. A processing unit (10) executes instructions to evaluate a primary condition under which the group of motors can develop the required power by leaving one internal combustion engine at rest, and if necessary, to leave one internal combustion engine at rest and accelerate a second number of internal combustion engines not at rest, and to operate the electrical component in motor mode if necessary, the electrical component operating temporarily in generator mode when the storage means is discharged.