Hybrid Propulsion Power Bus With Bi-Directional Energy Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft power and energy management systems for distributed hybrid propulsion lack efficient bi-directional power flow control, leading to suboptimal energy distribution and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed hybrid propulsion system with a non-propulsive engine assembly, energy storage elements, motor-generators, and a common bus with bi-directional power flow control elements, managed by a controller to optimize power distribution between the engine, energy storage, and motor-generators, allowing for efficient energy management and reduced emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional unidirectional power flow control is used in distributed hybrid propulsion systems, then system complexity is reduced, but energy distribution efficiency deteriorates and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bi-directional power flow control elements that dynamically adjust power distribution between the engine assembly, energy storage element, and motor-generator based on real-time system conditions. The controller continuously monitors and reconfigures power flow directions, enabling the system to adapt to varying operational demands and optimize energy utilization while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
2Loss of energy
If bi-directional power flow control elements are added to the common bus, then energy management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motor-generator that serves dual functions as both a motor and a generator within the same component. During motor mode, it converts electrical energy from the energy storage element to mechanical energy for propulsion. During generation mode, it converts mechanical energy from the engine assembly back to electrical energy to recharge the energy storage element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate motor and generator components, thereby managing system complexity while enabling efficient bi-directional energy management.
3Productivity
If the engine is configured as non-propulsive with dedicated motor-generator propulsion, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the propulsion function from the power generation function by configuring the engine assembly as non-propulsive and using a dedicated motor-generator for thrust generation. The engine assembly focuses solely on generating electrical power through the generator, while the motor-generator handles all propulsion tasks. This functional segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal efficiency point and simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for a propulsive engine.
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 system achieves efficient bi-directional power flow management, reducing the need for extra components, enhancing system versatility, and optimizing energy usage, thereby improving aircraft performance and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a common bus to which the engine assembly, the energy storage element, the motor-generator and the controller are connected. The common bus includes bi-directional power flow control elements
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage element... The advantage of hybrid power is that one power generation mode can supplement or replace the other
Implementation Method 3
a motor-generator... one or more rotors, each of which is drivable by the motor-generator to generate thrust
Implementation Method 4
the gas turbine engine can be used to recharge the battery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A distributed hybrid propulsion system (101) is provided and includes an engine assembly (110) that includes an engine (111), which is non-propulsive, an energy storage element (120), a motor-generator (130) and a common bus (150) to which the engine assembly (110), the energy storage element (120), the motor-generator (130) and a controller (140) are connected. The common bus (150) includes bi-directional power flow control elements (155), which are controllable to manage bi-directional power flow between the engine assembly (110), the energy storage element (120) and the motor-generator (130).