Multilevel DC Power Bus Accumulator for Peak Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical power systems in aircraft require large, heavy generators to handle temporary load spikes, which is inefficient and not suitable for the advancements in more electric aircraft technology.
Innovation Solution
An electrical accumulator arrangement with multiple energy storage modules connected across rails of a multilevel DC power bus, allowing for pulsing of voltage to meet peak power demands, reducing the need for a generator with a high peak capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a generator is rated at least as high as expected load spikes to provide adequate power during elevated load spikes, then power supply reliability is improved, but the physical size and weight of the generator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two functional components: a base-rated generator for continuous power supply and energy storage modules (capacitors/batteries) for peak load compensation. This segmentation allows the generator to be smaller while the energy storage modules handle the transient peak demands, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy storage modules are pre-charged during periods of low demand to be ready for immediate discharge during load spikes. This preliminary action ensures that when peak loads occur, the pre-charged energy storage modules can instantly supplement the generator output, maintaining power supply reliability without requiring the generator to be oversized.
2Power
If a generator is sized to handle peak load spikes, then power capacity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into a base generator and supplemental energy storage modules. The generator handles continuous baseline power while the modular energy storage components handle transient peaks. This segmentation allows the generator to be smaller and simpler, with the complexity distributed to standardized energy storage modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage modules serve multiple functions: they provide peak load compensation, stabilize voltage fluctuations, and can be configured in various arrangements (series/parallel) to match different power requirements. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to a single oversized generator.
3Power
If a generator is oversized to accommodate temporary load spikes, then power availability during peaks is improved, but weight and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Energy storage modules are continuously pre-charged during normal operation to accumulate energy reserves. When load spikes occur, these pre-charged modules immediately discharge to supplement the generator, ensuring peak power availability without requiring the generator to be oversized and heavy.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage modules operate in periodic cycles of charging during low-demand periods and discharging during peak-demand periods. This periodic action allows the system to meet peak power requirements while keeping the generator smaller and lighter, as the generator only needs to handle average plus some peak load, not all peaks.
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 enables aircraft electrical systems to support increased load capacity without the need for oversized generators, reducing weight and space requirements while efficiently managing peak power demands.
Implementation Method 1
One or more of the first ESM and the second ESM can include both a high-capacity battery power source and a high-capacity non-battery power source
Implementation Method 2
One or more of the first ESM and the second ESM can include a high-capacity non-battery power source, such as an ultracapacitor
Implementation Method 3
One or more of the first ESM and the second ESM can include both a high-capacity battery power source and a high-capacity non-battery power source, such as a fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical accumulator arrangement includes a plurality of energy storage modules having source and return leads. The source lead of a first energy storage module is connected to the return lead of a second energy storage module. The return lead of the first energy storage module is electrically isolated from the source lead of the second energy storage module to pulse voltage across rails of a multi-level direct current power bus.