Modular Aircraft Power Distribution with Dynamic Load Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft power supply systems waste energy by allocating maximum power to systems that need it only intermittently and incur weight and material penalties due to individual hold-up functions for each system, which can lead to system inoperability during power interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply and distribution system with a controller that determines power load and hold-up requirements for multiple loads, conditions power, and dynamically distributes it based on these needs, using a single hold-up mechanism and data communication network to optimize power allocation and ensure continuous operation during interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each system has its own individual power supply module allocated to maximum power requirement, then system reliability is improved, but energy wastage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple individual power supply modules into a single centralized power supply system that serves multiple aircraft systems. This merging approach allows dynamic power allocation based on actual system needs rather than static maximum allocations, thereby reducing energy wastage while maintaining system reliability through centralized control and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system implements dynamic power allocation that adjusts power distribution in real-time based on the actual operational requirements of each aircraft system. The controller monitors power demands and redistributes power dynamically, ensuring that systems receive appropriate power levels only when needed, thus eliminating the energy wastage associated with continuous maximum power allocation.
2Reliability
If each system has its own hold-up function, then system operability during power interruption is improved, but weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple individual hold-up functions into a single centralized hold-up mechanism that serves multiple aircraft systems during power interruptions. This merging eliminates the need for redundant energy storage components in each individual system, thereby reducing overall aircraft weight and material usage while maintaining the capability to sustain critical systems during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized hold-up mechanism is designed to serve multiple aircraft systems simultaneously, providing universal power backup capability. This multi-functional approach allows a single hold-up system to support various critical loads during power interruptions, replacing the need for dedicated hold-up functions in each system and thereby reducing weight and material requirements.
3Reliability
If maximum power is allocated to systems intermittently used, then system reliability is improved, but power availability for other systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system implements dynamic power allocation that continuously monitors and adjusts power distribution based on actual system demands. When a system requiring maximum power is not actively using it, the power is automatically reallocated to other systems that need it, ensuring optimal power availability across all systems while maintaining reliability for those that require it intermittently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power allocation parameters dynamically based on operational conditions. Instead of fixed maximum power allocations, the controller adjusts power levels and distribution in real-time according to actual system needs, allowing power to be shifted between systems as requirements change, thus optimizing both reliability and overall power availability.
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 solution reduces energy wastage, minimizes weight and material by consolidating hold-up requirements, and ensures continuous operation of aircraft systems during power interruptions by dynamically reallocating power based on actual needs.
Implementation Method 1
The controller 12 controls one of the plurality of switching mechanisms 17 and the power distribution logic 32 to distribute the conditioned electrical power based on the hold-up requirement to distribute the conditioned electrical power stored within the at least one hold-up mechanism 18
Implementation Method 2
at least one hold-up mechanism for storing the conditioned storage electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power supply and distribution system includes a controller and at least one power distribution bus operably connected to the controller. The system includes at least one power distribution bus that distributes electrical power to a plurality of loads. The system further includes a data communication network configured to communicate data between the system and the plurality of loads, power load logic for determining a power load requirement of each of the plurality of loads, hold-up logic for determining a hold-up requirement of at least one of the plurality of loads; and power distribution logic for distributing the electrical power to the plurality of loads based, at least in part, on the determined power load requirement of each of the plurality of loads and the hold-up requirement of the at least one of the plurality of loads.