PMAD Center Decoupling Filters for DC Power Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical power systems with high voltage direct current (DC) generating systems, especially in military hybrid vehicles, face stability issues when integrated with constant power loads due to nonlinear voltage-current characteristics and lack of coordination between source ripple filters and power converter input filters, requiring robust design modifications to accommodate new loads and maintain system stability.

Innovation Solution

A power management and distribution (PMAD) center is introduced, featuring load management channels with load management functions and decoupling filters, which include positive and negative rail contactors, an inrush-current limiting contactor, and a resistor, operating in different modes to manage power distribution and ensure stability, reducing filtering requirements and system weight, size, and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If constant power loads are integrated into the electrical power system, then the system can support modern electrical loads with high efficiency, but the system stability deteriorates due to nonlinear voltage-current characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a PMAD center as an intermediary device between the EPGS and constant power loads. This center includes decoupling filters that act as mediators to isolate the nonlinear characteristics of constant power loads from the power generating system, thereby maintaining system stability while enabling efficient power distribution to modern loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements load management functions that dynamically change system parameters based on operating conditions. The PMAD center monitors and adjusts power distribution parameters in real-time, transforming the static electrical system into a dynamically adaptable one that can handle the nonlinear characteristics of constant power loads without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If source ripple filter and power converter input filter are designed independently, then each filter can be optimized for its specific function, but system stability deteriorates due to lack of coordination between filters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter design independenceVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The PMAD center serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a coordination hub for filter design, a power management center, and a stability control mechanism. By integrating these functions into a single universal system, the patent enables coordinated filter design while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of modular filter components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms within the PMAD center that monitor the interaction between source ripple filters and power converter input filters. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of filter parameters to maintain optimal coordination, ensuring system stability while allowing independent filter optimization for manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical power system design is made robust to accommodate new loads, then the system can adapt to future requirements, but the device complexity increases requiring major system modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload accommodation capabilityVSAvoidsystem design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power distribution system into modular components managed by the PMAD center. Each load can be independently connected and managed through standardized interfaces, allowing new loads to be accommodated by simply adding new modules rather than redesigning the entire system. This segmentation reduces complexity while maintaining robust adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If decoupling filters are added to each load management channel, then system stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidfilter configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the decoupling filter functions into a centralized PMAD center rather than implementing separate filters at each load point. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the stability benefits of decoupling filters. The shared filter infrastructure in the PMAD center serves multiple loads simultaneously, reducing total component count and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The PMAD center enhances system stability, improves power quality, and reduces the need for pre-charge functions at individual constant power loads, allowing for seamless integration of new loads and maintaining system stability across various operating conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of load management channels comprises a load management function and a decoupling filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

The inrush-current limiting contactor is in series with a resistor, and wherein the inrush-current limiting contactor and the resistor are in parallel with the positive rail contactor on the positive rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2562900B1Power management and distribution for power system with constant power loads
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2562900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2562900B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2562900B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electrical power system includes an electrical power generating system (EPGS); one or more constant power loads powered by the EPGS; and a power management and distribution (PMAD) center located between the EPGS and the one or more constant power loads, the PMAD center comprising a plurality of load management channels, each of the plurality of load management channels corresponding to a respective constant power load, wherein each of the plurality of load management channels comprises a load management function and a decoupling filter.