Inductive Power Transfer for Aerospace Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inductive power transfer technologies are not suited for large aerospace vehicles as they require close proximity between the transmitter and receiver, limiting their efficiency and are primarily designed for battery charging, lacking the capability for operational power transfer, and pose risks during ground operations and in space due to physical connectors.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that uses retractable skids, landing gear, and door frames to achieve proximity between IPT receivers and transmitters for wireless power transfer, along with the integration of IPT into vehicle fairings and umbilicals for prelaunch and space-based applications, eliminating the need for physical connectors and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If current IPT technologies are used for large aerospace vehicles, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but power efficiency drops significantly due to large distance between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs retractable skids that can extend and retract to dynamically adjust the distance between the IPT receiver on the aircraft and the IPT transmitter on the ground. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal proximity for efficient power transfer while accommodating the large size of aerospace vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable skid acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the aircraft body and the ground-based transmitter. By providing a movable interface, it enables close proximity contactless power transfer despite the large distance that would otherwise exist between the vehicle and ground equipment.
2Reliability
If physical connectors are used for power transfer, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but risk to ground crew increases during inclement weather and fueling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical connectors with contactless inductive power transfer technology. The IPT system uses electromagnetic fields to transmit power wirelessly between the ground-based transmitter and the aircraft receiver, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-play connections that expose ground crew to electrical hazards during weather events and fueling operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If physical connectors are used for power interfaces, then power transfer is achieved, but contamination risk increases due to dust and physical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The IPT system replaces mechanical connectors that are susceptible to dust contamination and physical wear with a contactless electromagnetic power transfer mechanism. This eliminates the physical interfaces where contamination could occur, providing a cleaner and more reliable power transfer solution for aerospace applications.
4Use of energy by moving object
If APU is used to generate electricity for aircraft while idling, then power supply is achieved, but fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fuel-driven APU mechanical system with an electrical power transfer system. By using IPT to deliver power wirelessly to the aircraft while idling, the system eliminates the need for combustion-based power generation, thereby removing the associated fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining the aircraft's power supply capability.
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
Enables efficient wireless power transfer to large aerospace vehicles, reduces environmental impact by minimizing fuel consumption and emissions, enhances safety by eliminating physical connections, and provides reliable and contamination-resistant power interfaces for both ground and space operations.
Implementation Method 1
inductive power transfer (IPT) is currently used on technology from small appliances like electric toothbrushes and cell phones to large diesel-electric locomotives for contactless, high-efficiency battery recharging. Known also as 'resonant magnetic coupling' and 'focused power,' this description refers to IPT for wireless power transfer.
Implementation Method 2
Known also as 'resonant magnetic coupling' and 'focused power,' this description refers to IPT for wireless power transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of wirelessly powering an aerospace vehicle while the vehicle is on the ground is provided to solve a problem of supplying electric power for aircraft while idling on taxiways. Present systems typically require fuel-driven auxiliary power units (APU's) to generate electricity. Running APU's to power aircraft while idling requires over 443 million gallons of jet fuel annually at a cost of $1.3 billion dollars. This results in an estimated 4.7 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. At the gate, shore power is provided via hardline connection.