Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Rating Updates for Component Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft propulsion systems, particularly those with traditional engine ratings, do not accommodate upgrades or improvements over time, limiting the potential for enhanced performance and efficiency in hybrid propulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating a hybrid-electric propulsion system that allows for the replacement of original electrical propulsion subsystem components with alternative components, enabling the production of new engine ratings based on the improved performance and capability parameters of the upgraded components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If original engine ratings are used for type certification, then regulatory approval is obtained, but the system cannot accommodate component upgrades or performance improvements over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the engine ratings adjustable and recalculatable based on actual system component performance. Instead of fixed ratings, the system continuously determines ratings based on real-time or updated component parameters, allowing the propulsion system to adapt to component upgrades while maintaining regulatory compliance through dynamic rating adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing engine ratings to be recalculated when component parameters change. The system monitors component performance parameters and automatically adjusts engine ratings to reflect actual system capabilities, enabling upgrades without requiring new type certification while maintaining safety and compliance.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If engine ratings are fixed for the life of the propulsion system, then type certification is maintained, but component lifing is limited by the original ratings rather than actual component capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring actual component performance and using this information to adjust engine ratings. The system receives feedback from component sensors and performance data, recalculates appropriate ratings based on actual capabilities, and updates operating parameters accordingly, allowing component useful life to extend beyond original ratings while maintaining safety.
3Power
If alternative electrical propulsion components with different performance parameters are installed, then system performance can be improved, but the original type certification becomes invalid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a rating determination system that works with multiple component types and performance parameters. The system can accommodate different electrical propulsion components (batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors) with varying performance characteristics while maintaining a unified approach to engine rating calculation and regulatory compliance, making the solution universally applicable to hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of and system for operating a hybrid-electric propulsion system (20) is provided. The system has a thermal engine (28) and an electrical propulsion subsystem (38) having a plurality of components (22, 24, 26). The method includes providing a set of original engine ratings for operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system (20), the original engine ratings are based on one or more first performance / capability parameters of an original electrical propulsion subsystem component (22, 24, 26); replacing the original component (22, 24, 26) with an alternative component (22, 24, 26), the alternative component (22, 24, 26) having one or more second performance / capability parameters, wherein the second performance / capability parameters are different from the first performance / capability parameters; producing a set of alternative engine ratings based on the second performance / capability parameters; and operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system (20) using the set of alternative engine ratings.