Dual-Isolated Transformer Power Bus for Redundant Power Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft power systems lack the capability for power sharing between dual power inputs, leading to a lack of system redundancy and increased risk of fault conditions causing loss of electric power to remote systems.
Innovation Solution
A power bus system with dual isolated power sources and transformers, allowing for independent control and power sharing between two power bus circuits, ensuring redundancy and fault tolerance by isolating and controlling power distribution to a load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual power inputs are implemented for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but power sharing capability between the two inputs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent power bus circuits (first power bus circuit and second power bus circuit) that are electrically isolated from each other. Each circuit can independently supply power to the load, enabling redundancy while maintaining the ability to share power through controlled isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary switching mechanism is introduced between the two power bus circuits to control their electrical isolation. This intermediary allows the system to switch between independent operation modes and power sharing modes, resolving the contradiction between redundancy and power sharing capability.
2Reliability
If power bus circuits are electrically isolated for redundancy, then fault propagation is reduced, but power distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical isolation between power bus circuits is made dynamic rather than static. The isolation can be actively controlled and adjusted based on system conditions, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining fault tolerance through controlled isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented to monitor the operational status of both power bus circuits and automatically adjust the isolation state. This feedback control simplifies the overall control complexity by automating the decision-making process for power distribution based on real-time system conditions.
3Reliability
If physical isolation of power bus circuits is implemented, then electrical isolation is achieved, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power bus circuits are nested within a compact housing structure that allows electrical isolation without requiring separate physical spaces for each circuit. The nested arrangement enables both circuits to coexist in a limited space while maintaining their electrical independence through the housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible shielding materials and thin film isolators are used to achieve electrical isolation between power bus circuits without requiring thick physical barriers. This approach maintains electrical isolation while minimizing the physical space occupied by the isolation structures.
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 provides redundant power supply with fault tolerance, reducing the risk of system-wide failures and improving efficiency, reliability, and reducing physical footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The first primary inductor and the first secondary inductor are arranged as a first transformer
Implementation Method 2
The second primary inductor and the second secondary inductor are arranged as a second transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A power bus system for supplying electric power to a load includes a first power bus circuit coupled to a first power source and including a first primary inductor, a second power bus circuit coupled to a second power source and including a second primary inductor, and a third power bus circuit coupled to the load and including a first secondary inductor electrically connected in series with a second secondary inductor. The first primary inductor and the first secondary inductor are arranged as a first transformer, the second primary inductor and the second secondary inductor are arranged as a second transformer, and the first power bus circuit is electrically isolated from the second power bus circuit.