Aircraft Motor Drive Charging With Bidirectional Converter Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft battery charging systems require separate converters and controllers for DC and AC power sources, leading to inefficiencies and the need for dedicated equipment.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive battery charging system that integrates a bidirectional converter, controllable contactors, and a motor controller to enable charging from both DC and AC power sources, utilizing the onboard motor drive system without additional converters, and supports multiple charging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated converters and controllers are used for DC and AC charging systems, then charging functionality for different power sources is achieved, but device complexity and equipment quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the AC motor for propulsion and simultaneously serves as a charging controller for both DC and AC power sources. The bidirectional converter also operates in multiple modes (inverter mode for motor drive, rectifier mode for charging). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated charging equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining charging compatibility across different power sources.
2Reliability
If separate dedicated converters are used for DC and AC charging, then proper power conversion is achieved, but the need for additional equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor controller and bidirectional converter into an integrated system that handles both motor control and battery charging functions. The same power electronic components used for motor drive are utilized for power conversion during charging operations. This consolidation reduces the total equipment quantity while maintaining reliable power conversion through the proven motor control system.
3Quantity of substance
If the motor controller is used for both motor control and charging control, then equipment quantity is reduced, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between different operational modes (motor drive mode, DC charging mode, AC charging mode) based on system requirements. The bidirectional converter dynamically adjusts its operation between inverter mode and rectifier mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to achieve precise control in different contexts by optimizing control parameters for each specific mode, maintaining control precision while reducing equipment quantity.
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
Enables flexible charging from various voltage levels and power sources, optimizing battery charging efficiency and safety by integrating the motor drive system, reducing the need for separate charging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional converter, wherein the bidirectional converter is capable of an inverter mode and a rectifier mode
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft adaptive battery charging system is provided. The adaptive battery charging system comprises: a battery system; a bidirectional converter, wherein the bidirectional converter is capable of an inverter mode and a rectifier mode; an alternating current (AC) motor; a number of controllable contactors that control electrical current between the battery system, bidirectional converter, AC motor, and a power source wherein the controllable contactors can be switched between a closed position to allow electrical current flow and an open position to prevent electrical current flow; a motor controller; a battery charging system controller configured to send control signals to the battery system, motor controller, and controllable contactors in response to system command signals; and a vehicle system controller that sends system command signals to the motor controller and battery charging system controller.