Hybrid Propulsion Voltage Regulation for Generator Load Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft hybrid engine systems, sudden loss of electrical power from a generator can lead to rapid propagation of faults through the propulsion system, causing damage or shortening the service life due to overspeed conditions or overvoltage, necessitating immediate detection and compensation measures.
Innovation Solution
A series hybrid propulsion system with a voltage regulator that applies an emergency load or variable resistive load to the generator via a shunt circuit, using sensors and fault detection logic to monitor voltage and current, and connect/disconnect loads to manage power distribution and prevent overspeed conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator is suddenly disconnected from the power grid, then the electrical power distribution is interrupted, but the gas turbine engine experiences overspeed conditions that can cause immediate damage
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator applies an emergency load to the generator before the disconnection fault can cause overspeed damage. This preliminary counter-action maintains engine speed within safe limits during the transient period when the power grid connection is lost
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures an emergency load path through the shunt circuit that can be rapidly activated. The fault detection logic continuously monitors generator status and prepares to apply load immediately upon detecting disconnection, preventing overspeed before it occurs
2Reliability
If the load on the generator is abruptly reduced, then the electrical power demand decreases, but this causes brief overvoltage that may damage the propulsion system
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator applies an emergency load to counteract the voltage rise that would otherwise occur during abrupt load reduction. This preliminary counter-action maintains voltage within acceptable limits during the transient period
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt circuit acts as an intermediary load that can be rapidly connected to absorb excess electrical energy. This intermediary component provides a controlled path for energy dissipation, preventing direct voltage spikes from damaging sensitive propulsion system components
3Reliability
If a fault in the generator causes loss of electrical power, then the electrical power generation fails, but this can rapidly propagate faults through the propulsion system causing significant damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection logic continuously monitors generator parameters and provides immediate feedback when a fault is detected. This real-time feedback enables the voltage regulator to activate the emergency load path without delay, preventing fault propagation through the propulsion system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis through the fault detection logic that automatically identifies generator faults and triggers the protective emergency load path. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external detection systems and reduces response time
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 solution effectively mitigates the risk of damage by maintaining a consistent load on the engine, managing power distribution, and allowing for controlled recovery from faults, thereby extending the service life and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage regulator is positioned downstream of the electrical generator and is configured to take one or more actions to compensate for a loss of load on the generator. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the one or more actions includes applying an emergency load to the generator.
Implementation Method 2
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the one or more actions includes applying a variable resistive load to the generator.
Implementation Method 3
Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the loss of load is determined by measuring one of a current or a voltage at the generator.
Data Source
AI summary
A series hybrid propulsion system of an aircraft includes a gas turbine engine, an electrical generator operably connected to the gas turbine engine configured to generate electrical power from operation of the gas turbine engine, and one or more electrically-driven propulsors configured to provide propulsion for the aircraft, and an electrical power grid configured to distribute electrical power generated at least at the electrical generator to the one or more electrically-driven propulsors. A voltage regulator is positioned downstream of the electrical generator and is configured to take one or more actions to compensate for a loss of load on the generator.