Motor Current Obstruction Detection in Aircraft Air Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining obstructions in air circuits, such as those in environmental control systems used in aircraft, is challenging due to potential blockages or ruptures that can occur at various points and are difficult to detect, especially given limited access and the similar effects on air flow in both cases.
Innovation Solution
A program product that uses a computer-readable storage medium to facilitate obtaining the load current of a motor in an air circuit, comparing it to predetermined values, and determining obstructions by selecting appropriate statistical models to estimate the percentage of obstruction and distance from the fan, utilizing a control system with sensors and processors to process motor load current data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional air flow measurement methods are used to detect obstructions, then the detection can be performed, but the complexity of the system increases and access is required to the air circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical air flow measurement methods with electrical motor current measurement. The control system monitors motor current to detect obstructions in the air circuit, eliminating the need for physical access to the air circuit and complex mechanical sensors. The motor current serves as an indirect but accurate indicator of air flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses motor current as an intermediary parameter to detect air circuit obstructions. Instead of directly measuring air flow or physical obstruction, the system measures the electrical current drawn by the motor driving the fan, which changes in response to air circuit conditions. This intermediary measurement simplifies the detection system while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If direct air flow measurement is implemented, then obstruction detection is possible, but the system requires access to the air circuit and additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the motor to serve dual functions: driving the fan and providing obstruction detection data through its current measurement. The existing motor and control system self-provide the detection capability without requiring separate sensors or access to the air circuit. The control system already present in the aircraft monitors motor current for this purpose.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect obstructions at various points, then detection coverage improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor current measurement serve multiple functions: detecting obstructions, estimating their location, and monitoring overall air circuit health. A single measurement point (motor current) provides information that would otherwise require multiple sensors distributed throughout the air circuit. The control system processes this single data source to derive multiple diagnostic parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A program product for determining an obstruction in an air circuit for an environmental control unit having a motor is provided. The program product comprises a program and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. The program is configured to at least facilitate obtaining a load current of the motor, determining a state of the motor, generating a comparison, and determining the obstruction using the load current and the comparison. The comparison is generated by comparing the load current to a first plurality of values if the motor is in a steady state, and by comparing the load current to a second plurality of values if the motor is in a transient state. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium stores the program.