Hybrid Energy Storage Module Controller for Aircraft Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical power systems in vehicles, such as aircraft, require generators with high output ratings to accommodate temporary load spikes, leading to oversized generators that are not optimized for baseline power requirements, resulting in inefficiencies and potential damage from frequent charging and discharging of battery sources.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid energy storage module (ESM) with a controller that selectively connects high-power modules, including ultracapacitors and high-power batteries, to a power bus based on load demands, supplemented by a low-power module, to manage electrical loads efficiently and reduce generator size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generators with high output ratings are used to accommodate load spikes, then power availability during load spikes is improved, but generator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple energy storage modules (capacitor modules and battery modules) that can be independently connected to the power bus. This segmentation allows the system to distribute power delivery across multiple smaller components rather than relying on a single oversized generator, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining power availability during load spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the electrical connections between energy storage modules and the power bus based on real-time load conditions. During load spikes, capacitor modules are rapidly connected to provide immediate high power; during baseline conditions, only necessary modules remain connected. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain high power capability when needed while reducing average weight and size requirements.
2Power
If battery sources are used to handle load spikes, then power supplementation is improved, but battery cycling frequency increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitor modules are introduced as intermediary energy storage devices between the power bus and battery modules. During load spikes, capacitors serve as the primary response mechanism, absorbing the high-power transient demands that would otherwise require battery discharge. This intermediary role protects batteries from frequent high-rate cycling while still providing the necessary power supplementation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different energy storage technologies are assigned to different functional roles based on their local characteristics: capacitor modules handle high-power, short-duration load spikes due to their rapid response capability, while battery modules handle sustained power needs and baseline supplementation. This functional differentiation based on local quality optimizes each component's performance and extends battery life by reducing their cycling frequency.
3Power
If multiple high-power modules are connected to handle extended loads, then power capacity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into modular energy storage units (capacitor modules and battery modules) with standardized interfaces. Each module can be independently connected or disconnected from the power bus through controlled switches. This segmentation allows the system to scale power capacity by adding or activating specific modules without fundamentally changing the overall system architecture, thereby managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage modules are designed with universal characteristics that enable them to perform multiple functions: they can provide power during load spikes, supply baseline power, and be reconfigured based on different operational modes. The controller universally manages all modules using the same control logic, regardless of which specific modules are active. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for different operating conditions, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 hybrid ESM effectively supplements generator power during load spikes, reduces battery cycling frequency, and maintains a compact and lightweight electrical power system capable of handling diverse load profiles, thereby extending battery life and optimizing power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The first high-power module can include an ultracapacitor
Implementation Method 2
The second high-power module can include a high-power battery source
Implementation Method 3
The first high-power module can include a high-power DC/DC power converter
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid energy storage module includes a bus lead and two or more high-power modules connectable to the bus lead. A controller is operably connected to a first of the high-power modules and a second of the high-power module. The controller has a pulse mode, where the first high-power module is connected to the bus lead. The controller also has an extended mode, where both the first high-power module and the second high-power module are connected to the bus lead.