Isolated Fuel Cell Power Assembly for Stable Aircraft Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aeronautical vehicles face inefficiencies in power sources that may introduce excess weight or other inefficiencies, necessitating the exploration of alternative power sources without exacerbating these issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a power source assembly that includes a fuel cell module, battery, isolated DC/DC converter, and controller to regulate power distribution, ensuring efficient and controlled power delivery to propulsors, utilizing a dual active bridge topology to manage power flow and prevent premature wear of the fuel cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If alternative power sources (fuel cell module) are integrated into the aeronautical vehicle, then power efficiency and performance are improved, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is divided into distinct functional modules: fuel cell module, battery module, and isolated DC/DC converter module. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently managed, allowing the complex system to be broken down into manageable segments that improve overall power efficiency while maintaining organizational clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell module serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power for the propulsor, produces hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct that is utilized by the battery module, and can operate independently or in conjunction with the battery. This multi-functionality improves power efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If fuel cell module is used to provide continuous power, then power delivery stability is improved, but premature wear of the fuel cell occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The isolated DC/DC converter periodically switches between the fuel cell module and battery module based on power demands. During high-demand periods, the battery supplements power from the fuel cell, allowing the fuel cell to operate in more stable, less stressful conditions that extend its life while maintaining stable power delivery to the propulsor
Solution Approach 2:
The isolated DC/DC converter acts as an intermediary between the fuel cell module and the propulsor. It manages power flow, prevents direct high-stress loading on the fuel cell, and coordinates with the battery module to protect the fuel cell from premature wear while ensuring stable power delivery
3Reliability
If isolated DC/DC converter with dual active bridge topology is implemented, then power flow control and fuel cell protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolated DC/DC converter with dual active bridge topology serves as a sophisticated intermediary that provides galvanic isolation and controlled power transfer between the fuel cell module and battery module. The dual active bridge configuration enables precise control of power flow while protecting the fuel cell from electrical stress, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical coupling between power sources with an isolated DC/DC converter system that uses electromagnetic induction for power transfer. This substitution provides superior protection and control compared to direct connection, managing the complexity through advanced electrical isolation techniques
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 solution provides a robust and efficient power management system that minimizes wear and ensures stable power delivery to propulsors, optimizing performance while reducing excess weight and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer inductively coupling the DC/AC portion with the AC/DC portion; wherein the transformer of the DC/DC converter provides electric isolation between the DC/AC portion and the AC/DC portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A power assembly (215) for an aeronautical vehicle (100), the power assembly (215) comprising: a fuel cell module (202, 202a) configured to provide a fuel cell direct current (DC) power output; a power load (214) configured to receive a load power input, the power load (214) in power communication with the fuel cell; and a DC/DC converter (208) configured to provide a powered coupling between the fuel cell and the power load (214) so as to place the power load (214) in power communication with the fuel cell, the DC/DC converter (208) having: a DC/AC portion 228 in electric communication with the fuel cell and configured to receive the fuel cell DC power output; an AC/DC portion 230 in electric communication with the power load (214) and configured to provide the load power input; and a transformer (232) inductively coupling the DC/AC portion 228 with the AC/DC portion 230; wherein the transformer (232) of the DC/DC converter (208) provides electric isolation between the DC/AC portion 228 and the AC/DC portion 230.