Nested Hybrid Propulsion Control for Generator-Battery Current Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems in hybrid electric propulsion systems struggle with controlling current flow into and out of batteries, leading to inefficiencies and potential overcharging or discharging issues.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a generator module, an electric energy storage module, and a control module to monitor and manage current limits, adjusting power consumption and distribution between a generator and battery to prevent exceedance, and modulate power supply based on charge feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the generator module operates at high power output to meet aircraft electrical demands, then the power supply capability is improved, but the current limit of the generator module may be exceeded causing system stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the current output of the generator module and compares it against the current limit. When the current approaches the limit, the control module adjusts the generator's power output to maintain operation within safe boundaries, ensuring reliability while maximizing power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power distribution between the generator module and energy storage module based on real-time conditions. The control module modulates the generator's output and energy storage module's charge/discharge rates to meet power demands without exceeding current limits, allowing flexible adaptation to varying aircraft electrical loads
2Productivity
If the electric energy storage module charges at high current to quickly replenish energy, then the energy replenishment rate is improved, but the current limit of the energy storage module may be exceeded causing overcharging and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the charge current flowing into the energy storage module and compares it against the module's current limit. When the charge current approaches the limit, the control module reduces the charging rate or redirects power to other loads, preventing overcharging and ensuring safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control module proactively manages the charging process by anticipating current limit conditions. It adjusts the generator's power output and energy storage module's charge rate in advance to prevent exceeding current limits, ensuring safe and efficient energy replenishment
3Power
If the electric energy storage module discharges at high current to quickly provide power, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the current limit of the energy storage module may be exceeded causing overdischarging and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors the discharge current from the energy storage module and compares it against the module's current limit. When the discharge current approaches the limit, the control module reduces the discharge rate or increases generator contribution, preventing overdischarging and ensuring reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances the power contribution from the generator module and energy storage module. The control module adjusts their respective output rates in real-time to meet aircraft electrical demands while keeping the energy storage module's discharge current within safe boundaries
4Reliability
If the control system closely monitors and adjusts power distribution to prevent current limit exceedance, then the system reliability is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module combines multiple monitoring and control functions into a single integrated unit. It simultaneously monitors the generator module's current output, energy storage module's charge/discharge current, and aircraft electrical demands, then coordinates power distribution from both sources to meet loads while preventing current limit exceedance
Solution Approach 2:
The control module performs multiple functions: monitoring generator current, monitoring energy storage module current, adjusting generator power output, adjusting energy storage module charge/discharge rate, and balancing power distribution. This multi-functional approach ensures comprehensive current limit compliance without requiring separate dedicated control systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling power in an aircraft. The method includes, monitoring an electric energy storage module electrically connected to an electrical bus for an exceedance of a first current limit and monitoring a generator module connected to the electrical bus for an exceedance of a second current limit. If the current limit of either of the electric energy storage module or the generator module is exceeded by a predetermined exceedance amount, the method includes reducing a power consumption for an electric machine by a predetermined bias until the exceedance of the electrical energy storage and the exceedance of the generator module are both less than or equal to zero.