Power Leveling Controller for Aircraft Propulsion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft propulsion systems face responsiveness issues due to dampening natural torque variance, leading to inadequate power delivery during critical flight conditions and reduced efficiency in varying power demand environments like icing, low-level flying, and turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A power leveling mechanism that employs a high frequency controller to differentiate between low and high frequency components of power demand signals, using a primary propulsion system for long-period power and an auxiliary system for short-period power to meet demand, thereby enhancing responsiveness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the natural torque variance of the rotor system is dampened to achieve target torque and abide by acceleration/deceleration constraints, then the stability and control of the propulsion system is improved, but the responsiveness of the propulsion system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power demand signal is segmented into two distinct frequency components: a low frequency component handled by the primary propulsion system and a high frequency component handled by the auxiliary propulsion system. This segmentation allows each system to operate optimally within its frequency range, with the primary system providing stable baseline power and the auxiliary system providing rapid responsive power for critical fluctuations.
2Device complexity
If the primary propulsion system operates alone to meet varying power demand, then the system complexity is reduced, but the efficiency deteriorates in varying power demand environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the division of labor between primary and auxiliary propulsion systems based on the frequency characteristics of power demand. The controller continuously monitors and dynamically allocates power requirements, directing high frequency power demands to the auxiliary system which can respond rapidly without the spool-up/spool-down inefficiencies that plague the primary system during frequent power adjustments.
3Loss of energy
If the primary propulsion system is optimized for steady state operation, then the efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide power during critical transient conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary propulsion system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the steady-state optimized primary system and the transient power demands. During critical conditions, the auxiliary system intermediates by providing the necessary power bursts, allowing the primary system to maintain its efficient steady-state operation while still meeting overall power requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein relates to power leveling mechanisms comprising a high frequency controller. The power leveling mechanism receives a power demand signal indicating a power requirement of a vehicle and determines a high frequency component of the power demand signal. The power leveling mechanism also provides a signal to a primary propulsion system and provides, via the high frequency controller, a high bandwidth signal based on the high frequency component to an auxiliary propulsion system.