Hybrid Energy Storage Control for Variable Aircraft Engine Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft power systems lack efficient control mechanisms for hybrid energy storage systems, which are essential for optimizing energy distribution between different energy storage subsystems and electric motors, leading to suboptimal performance during varying engine loads and flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power management controller is implemented to model and predict electric power demands, configuring electric power flows between a hybrid energy storage system comprising a battery system and a super/ultra-capacitor, and electric motors, using bidirectional converters and power conditioning electronics to manage energy distribution based on current and future engine loads, conditions, and power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single energy storage subsystem is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power density and energy density requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into two independent subsystems: a first energy storage subsystem with high power density characteristics and a second energy storage subsystem with high energy density characteristics. Each subsystem can operate independently or in combination, allowing the system to adapt to different power and energy density requirements without increasing overall complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid energy storage system is designed to provide multiple functions: the first subsystem supplies high power during transient demands, the second subsystem provides sustained energy during cruise conditions, and they can work together during transition phases. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle various operating conditions that would otherwise require different specialized systems.
2Productivity
If model-based control with future time step prediction is implemented, then the energy management optimization is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future engine load conditions at multiple time steps ahead and pre-configuring the energy flow paths. This allows the system to optimize energy management in advance rather than reactively, improving overall efficiency while keeping the control logic structured and manageable through a systematic prediction-configuration-execution framework.
3Productivity
If the hybrid energy storage system is used to supplement engine power, then the aircraft performance is improved, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the energy storage requirements into two subsystems with different characteristics, each subsystem can be optimized for its specific function, reducing the total weight compared to using a single oversized subsystem that would need to handle all scenarios alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by selecting which subsystem to activate based on real-time and predicted engine load conditions. This allows the heavier hybrid system to operate efficiently by using only the necessary subsystem at any given time, effectively reducing the operational weight impact compared to continuous use of a single system.
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 solution enables efficient energy management, optimizing power usage, reducing weight and cost by selectively using the battery system or super/ultra-capacitor based on demand, and predictingively switching to the hybrid energy storage system to supplement engine power, thereby enhancing aircraft performance and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
bidirectional converter and power conditioning electronics to manage energy distribution
Implementation Method 2
power conditioning electronics to manage energy distribution based on current and future engine loads
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A power system (100) of an aircraft includes a hybrid energy storage system (102) with at least two energy storage subsystems (103) each having a different power-energy density. The power system also includes one or more electric motors (110) operably coupled to the hybrid energy storage system and to an aircraft engine (20). The power system further includes a means for controlling (190) one or more electric power flows (120, 122, 124) of the hybrid energy storage system to/from the one or more electric motors based on a modeled electric power demand associated with an engine load of one or more spools (30, 32) of the aircraft engine.