Aircraft Power Converter Layout for Cosmic Neutron Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems in aircraft face challenges in protecting semiconductor elements from cosmic ray neutrons without requiring large amounts of cooling water or special structures filled with high-pressure hydrogen, while also needing to be lightweight.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system with a module containing a semiconductor element, where an energy storage with a neutron attenuating material is positioned above, and a movable mechanism adjusts the position of the power converter relative to the energy storage to maximize neutron shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling water is used as neutron beam absorbing material, then neutron shielding effect is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit serves dual purposes: storing energy and providing neutron shielding. The flight vehicle uses the existing energy storage system to protect the power converter, eliminating the need for separate shielding structures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: energy storage and neutron radiation shielding. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high-pressure hydrogen is used for neutron beam absorption, then neutron shielding effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit containing hydrogen serves dual purposes: storing energy and providing neutron shielding. The flight vehicle leverages the existing hydrogen storage system to protect the power converter, eliminating the need for separate shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen-containing energy storage unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: energy storage and neutron radiation shielding. This multi-functionality reduces component count and simplifies system architecture while maintaining effective protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If neutron beam absorbing material is added, then neutron shielding effect is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit serves dual purposes: storing energy and providing neutron shielding. The flight vehicle uses the existing energy storage system to protect the power converter, eliminating the need for additional shielding components and associated weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: energy storage and neutron radiation shielding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shielding structures and reduces overall system weight.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed shielding structure is used, then neutron shielding effect is improved, but adaptability to flight vehicle tilt decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit is designed to move with the power converter when the flight vehicle tilts. This dynamic positioning ensures the energy storage unit continuously maintains its protective position relative to the power converter, providing consistent neutron shielding regardless of vehicle orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism of the power converter and the energy storage unit are coupled together. When the power converter moves in response to vehicle tilt, the energy storage unit moves simultaneously, maintaining their relative positions and ensuring continuous protection.
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 system effectively protects semiconductor elements from neutron beams using a simple configuration, reducing the risk of accidental failure without the need for additional weight or complex structures.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage storing a solid or liquid energy source containing a neutron attenuating material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A power conversion system (200A) incorporated in a flight vehicle includes a power converter (10) having a semiconductor element stored therein. An energy storage (20) is disposed above the power converter (10) in the vertical direction, the energy storage storing a solid or liquid energy source containing a neutron attenuating material. The power converter (10) is provided with a movable mechanism (60) that moves to shift in position according to a tilt of the flight vehicle. The movable mechanism includes slider rails and a slider movable unit.