Vehicle Power District Architecture for Redundant Load Prioritization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing power distribution in micro-grid environments, such as aircraft or encapsulated railways, is complex due to varying load criticality, power sourcing requirements, and the need for fault segregation, often requiring expensive and hard-to-maintain software systems.
Innovation Solution
A power system architecture with power distribution sources, conversion devices, and a logic module that prioritizes load power delivery based on system conditions, mission profiles, and budgeted currents, and includes modular power districts with bus ties for redundancy and power sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power converter is used for a given district, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy and precise prioritization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into multiple power districts, each with its own power converter. This segmentation allows independent operation and failure isolation, improving reliability while keeping each individual converter relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant power converters and bus ties in advance, so that if one converter fails, another can immediately take over. This prior cushioning ensures continuous power supply without requiring complex real-time prioritization logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power structures such as motor drives are incorporated, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases and certification difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converters are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of loads including motor drives, lighting, and other electrical equipment. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various power structures without increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on load requirements and system conditions. The bus ties can be dynamically connected or disconnected, and power converters can be dynamically activated or deactivated, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software is used to monitor and control power distribution, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to maintenance complexity and certification costs
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system automatically monitors and controls power flow without requiring complex external software intervention. The bus ties and power converters self-regulate based on system conditions, reducing maintenance burden and certification requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where power converters and bus ties continuously monitor system status and automatically adjust power distribution. This closed-loop control provides adaptability through simple, maintainable feedback circuits rather than complex software systems.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and scalable power distribution with improved maintainability and reduced weight, allowing for flexible load prioritization and power sharing during failures.
Implementation Method 1
The power districts are configured to receive electrical power from one or more of the one or more power distribution sources, convert the electrical power to a secondary form, and supply the converted electrical power to one or more loads within the respective power district
Implementation Method 2
the logic module is configured to control the bus tie to serve as a cross tie such that the second power district is configured to supply power to the first power district during the power failure
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a power system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system can include, one or more power distribution sources configured to supply electrical power to one or more power districts. One or more power conversion devices can be housed within a respective power district. In embodiments, the power district can be configured to allow for managing a draw by a respective one or more loads within the respective power district. The one or more power conversion devices can be configured to receive electrical power from one or more of the one or more power distribution sources, convert the electrical power to a secondary form, and then the converted electrical power to the one or more loads within the respective power district. In embodiments, a logic module can be operatively connected to the one or more power districts, configured to control at least a load draw.