Mobile Microgrid Charging for Infrastructure-Free Electric Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging systems for electric vehicles, particularly aircraft, face limitations due to high capital investment and fixed infrastructure requirements, which restrict adoption and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile charging system that includes a vehicle with an electrical and motive power system, a battery array, thermal management, and a microgrid configuration, allowing for on-site charging of electric aircraft without fixed infrastructure, using a bi-directional DC/DC converter and automatic payment systems for efficient energy transfer and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed infrastructure charging systems are used, then charging reliability is improved, but capital investment and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is segmented into mobile charging units that can be deployed independently rather than requiring a fixed infrastructure network. Each mobile unit contains its own battery array and charging equipment, allowing the system to be divided into discrete, transportable modules that reduce overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining charging reliability through distributed deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed infrastructure to dynamic mobile charging units that can be moved and repositioned as needed. This dynamic approach allows the charging system to adapt to different locations and aircraft, reducing the need for permanent infrastructure installations while maintaining reliable charging capabilities through flexible deployment.
2Productivity
If fixed infrastructure charging systems are used, then charging speed is improved, but adoption barriers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile charging units are equipped with their own power sources (battery arrays) and can operate independently without requiring connection to external fixed infrastructure. This self-service capability enables fast charging to be delivered to aircraft at various locations without needing permanent charging stations, thereby maintaining charging speed while significantly improving adoption flexibility and reducing barriers to entry.
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 mobile charging system reduces costs and increases flexibility by eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure, enabling efficient charging of electric aircraft with reduced wear on the charging system and improved fleet management, while facilitating fast charging and thermal management for enhanced safety and adoption of electric aircraft technology.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional DC/DC converter configured to electrically couple the first battery array to the second battery array
Implementation Method 2
a thermal management system coupled to the vehicle, wherein the mobile charging system is configured to thermally manage the second battery array via the thermal management system during charging
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile microgrid charging system may comprise a first battery array that is configured to be transported from location to location and facilitate fast charging of electric aircrafts. The mobile microgrid charging system is mobile and configured to charge multiple electric aircraft prior to re-charging.