Hydraulic Power Coupling for Aircraft AC Generator Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Paralleling multiple AC electrical generators in vehicles is complex due to the need for synchronization of voltages, frequencies, and phases, which is less challenging for DC generators.
Innovation Solution
Combining outputs from multiple energy sources using hydraulics by pressurized fluid from hydraulic pumps to drive an AC electrical generator, synchronizing the power sources through hydraulic motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple AC electrical generators are paralleled to generate electrical power, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the system complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic coupling system as an intermediary between multiple prime movers and the electrical generator. The hydraulic fluid acts as a mediator that automatically synchronizes the rotational speeds of multiple engines through pressure equalization, eliminating the need for complex electrical synchronization controls while enabling parallel power generation
2Productivity
If multiple energy sources are combined to power a large electrical load, then the load capability is improved, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic coupling to combine multiple energy sources. The hydraulic system automatically balances the rotational speeds of multiple engines through fluid pressure transmission, simplifying the control of multiple prime movers while enabling them to collectively drive a single electrical generator for high power output
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes pressurizing, by a plurality of engine driven hydraulic pumps respectively attached to a plurality of gas-turbine engines of an aircraft, hydraulic fluid; generating, by a hydraulic motor disposed within a fuselage of the aircraft and using combined pressurized hydraulic fluid received from the plurality of engine driven hydraulic pumps, rotational mechanical energy; and generating, by an electrical generator disposed within the fuselage of the aircraft and using the rotational mechanical energy, electrical energy.