Hydrogen Fuel Cell Thrust Reverser Actuation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric TRAS thrust reverser actuation systems for aircraft powered by hydrogen are not electrically independent of the aircraft's power supply, leading to potential interruptions in thrust reverser actuation during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen thrust reverser actuation system that includes a fuel cell powered by hydrogen, a hydrogen thrust reverser actuation controller, and a hydrogen primary power unit, which allows for local generation and storage of electric energy for independent operation of the thrust reverser actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electrical thrust reverser actuation system is used in a hydrogen-powered aircraft, then the system can operate during normal power supply conditions, but the system becomes non-operational during interruptions in the aircraft's power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into independent modules: a hydrogen fuel cell system specifically dedicated to powering the thrust reverser actuators, separate from the aircraft's main electrical power supply. This segmentation ensures that thrust reverser operation is independent of the aircraft's overall power status.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust reverser actuation system becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own hydrogen fuel cell power generation capability. The system serves itself by generating the electrical power it needs from stored hydrogen, eliminating dependence on the aircraft's external power supply infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If hydrogen is stored in the wings of the aircraft, then aerodynamic integration is simplified, but the wings become rigid and experience aeroelastic deformation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen storage function is extracted from the wing structure and relocated to dedicated storage tanks positioned elsewhere in the aircraft. This extraction allows the wings to maintain their required flexibility and aeroelastic properties while hydrogen storage requirements are met through separate, purpose-built storage systems.
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 ensures continuous operation of the thrust reverser actuators even during interruptions in the aircraft's power supply, providing electrical independence and reliable thrust reversal functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell disposed in a hydrogen power source and supplied with hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft having at least one propulsion unit supplied with hydrogen by at least one hydrogen tank, and having at least one thrust reversal system including at least one actuator. The aircraft can include at least one means for storing or transporting the residual hydrogen of the propulsion unit, a fuel cell disposed in the hydrogen power source and supplied with hydrogen by the at least one means for storing the residual hydrogen, and a hydrogen thrust reverser actuation system. The thrust reverser actuation system can include a hydrogen thrust reverser actuation controller and a hydrogen primary power unit with a fuel cell supplied with hydrogen and powering the at least one thrust reverser actuator.