Power Storage Device Recalibration Without Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power distribution systems, especially in aircraft, the state of charge and capacity data of rechargeable power storage devices can become inaccurate due to extended dormancy, leading to inefficiencies and underutilization, as conventional methods struggle to accurately recalibrate these values without interrupting the power supply.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a controller module selectively enables and disables power storage devices based on voltage thresholds, applies recharging power, and resets state of charge and capacity data, allowing for continuous operation and improved accuracy without taking the power source offline.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to recalibrate power storage devices, then state of charge and capacity data accuracy can be improved, but the power supply must be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate of charge and capacity data accuracyVSAvoidpower supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage system is divided into multiple individual power storage devices (first power storage device, second power storage device, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows one device to be taken offline for recalibration while others continue to supply power, resolving the contradiction between recalibration needs and power supply continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system temporarily removes (discards) a power storage device from service for recalibration, then restores (recovers) it after calibration. The controller selectively disables the first power storage device for recalibration while the second device maintains power supply, then re-enables the first device after recalibration completes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Duration of action of stationary object

If power storage devices operate continuously without maintenance, then power supply continuity is maintained, but state of charge and capacity data become inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidstate of charge and capacity data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic recalibration by selectively disabling individual power storage devices at scheduled intervals while maintaining overall system operation. This periodic maintenance approach ensures data accuracy without requiring prolonged system shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by using multiple power storage devices in parallel, where one device can undergo recalibration while others continue to provide power. The controller manages the transition seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the aircraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If a power storage device is taken offline for recalibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate of charge and capacity data accuracyVSAvoidpower generation capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power source is segmented into multiple independent power storage devices, allowing partial system maintenance without complete shutdown. The first power storage device can be recalibrated while the second device maintains full power generation capacity, minimizing productivity loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system temporarily discards one power storage device from active service for recalibration, then quickly recovers it upon completion. This minimizes the time the device is offline and reduces the impact on overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11269392B2System and method for maintaining power source

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 GE AVIATION SYST LTD

AI summary

A method for maintaining a power source can include selecting, by a controller module, a rechargeable power storage device from a set of power storage devices arranged to selectively provide a summated output of the power source, and selectively enabling the selected power storage device to discharge its stored power at the output of the power source. The controller module can compare a sensed voltage of the selected power storage device with a minimum voltage threshold.