Parallel DC Power Supply Droop Control for Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In more electric aircraft, parallel DC power supplies do not automatically share loads equally, leading to overloading and potential failure of power supplies due to slight differences in output voltages caused by component tolerances and other factors.
Innovation Solution
A passive power sharing system where each DC power supply reduces its voltage output based on its load current, using current sensing devices and generator controllers to implement droop control, allowing independent operation and reducing system communication requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple DC power supplies are connected in parallel to provide electrical power, then the power supply capacity is increased, but the power supplies do not automatically share loads equally leading to overloading and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements droop control by changing the voltage output parameter of each power supply based on its load current. Each power supply reduces its voltage output in proportion to its current output, creating a natural load-sharing mechanism that ensures equal power distribution and prevents overloading
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses current sensing devices to continuously monitor the output current of each power supply and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the voltage output accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically maintains balanced load sharing
2Weight of stationary object
If active rectification using power flow controllers is used instead of ATRU, then power supply simplification and weight savings are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive droop control system allows each power supply to automatically adjust its own output based on local current sensing, without requiring complex centralized control or communication between units. Each unit independently manages its contribution to the total load, simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for passive power sharing of parallel sources are provided. Aspects include a first DC power supply including a first generator and a rectifier circuit, a second DC power supply including a second generator and a second rectifier, wherein a first output of the first DC power supply and a second output of the second DC power supply are commonly coupled at a common bus point, a first current sensing device coupled between the first output of the first DC power supply and the common bus point, a first generator controller configured to receive a first current signal from the first current sensing device, analyze the first current signal to determine a first voltage droop value based on the first current signal, and operate the first DC power supply to reduce a first voltage output of the first DC power supply by the first voltage droop value.