Integrated AC DC Panel for Aircraft Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft power distribution systems face inefficiencies and weight increases due to higher electrical loads in 'more electric' aircraft, requiring larger cables and protective systems that impact performance and cost.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft power distribution system combining a primary 230 VAC distribution panel with a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) panel, located back to back in an aft electronics bay, reducing the need for wire routing and protective systems, utilizing busbar interconnects for efficient power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power distribution systems route power through separate primary and secondary panels with extensive wire routing, then power can be distributed to multiple locations, but aircraft weight increases and power loss from feeder resistance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary distribution panel and motor controller panel into a single integrated unit. The AC bus bars and DC bus bars are housed together in one panel, eliminating the need for separate wire routing between panels. This merging reduces feeder resistance and power loss while decreasing overall system complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated panel serves as an intermediary device that directly converts AC power to DC power for motor controllers within the same housing. This eliminates the need for extensive intermediate wire routing and protective systems that would otherwise be required between separate AC and DC distribution panels.
2Power
If larger cables and protective systems are used to handle increased electrical loads in 'more electric' aircraft, then power transmission capability increases, but aircraft weight increases impacting performance and cost
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the motor controller panel with the primary distribution panel, the system handles increased electrical loads more efficiently. The direct conversion of AC to DC within the same panel reduces the need for heavy gauge cables and extensive protective wiring, thereby reducing weight while maintaining high power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter configuration by integrating AC and DC bus bars in one panel, allowing for more efficient power distribution. This parameter change enables the system to handle increased loads with reduced cable weight compared to conventional separate panel configurations.
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 configuration achieves significant weight and power loss reduction, optimizing aircraft performance by minimizing cable requirements and protective systems, while handling increased electrical loads efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The HVDC panel, which preferably operates at +/â230 VDC, to distribute power to electric motor controllers
Implementation Method 2
This is achieved by providing DC power to motor controllers that invert the power to AC and drive the electric motors
Implementation Method 3
utilizing busbar interconnects for efficient power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power generation and distribution system includes a primary distribution panel, which preferably operates at 230 VAC, and a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) panel in direct electrical communication therewith. The HVDC panels power motor controllers which drive electric motors residing in the center or aft sections of the aircraft. As many of the large electrical loads are located in the aft section of the aircraft, an aft electronics bay is located adjacent the aircraft wing roots to house the primary distribution panels and the HVDC panels.