Propeller Drive Direct Electric Connection Converter Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propeller drives for small aircraft, particularly those using serial hybrid concepts, face inefficiencies due to the need for converters which increase weight, complexity, and energy loss, while also requiring significant installation space and limited flexibility in operation.
Innovation Solution
A propeller drive design that directly connects the electric drive to the propeller machine without a converter, utilizing a three-phase AC connection, and incorporating a synchronous machine without a damper winding, along with a switchable energy store and cooling circuit, to achieve a lightweight, compact, and flexible system with reduced energy losses and enhanced operational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is used to connect the electric drive to the propeller machine, then the system can handle variable power requirements, but the weight, installation space, and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the converter component from the system by directly connecting the electric drive to the propeller machine. This extraction eliminates the unwanted weight, installation space, and energy losses associated with converters while maintaining system functionality through direct AC power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct AC power connection as an intermediary mechanism between the electric drive and propeller machine, replacing the converter. This direct connection serves as a simplified mediator that transmits power without the complexity and losses of conventional converter systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is used to connect the electric drive to the propeller machine, then the system can handle variable power requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is extracted from the system, significantly reducing device complexity. The direct AC connection eliminates multiple converter components, control systems, and interconnections, resulting in a simpler overall system architecture while maintaining power handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electric drive and propeller machine into a more integrated system by eliminating the converter intermediary. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system structure, making it easier to manufacture and maintain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the propeller machine operates outside the restricted load range, then the efficiency decreases, but the flexibility of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the propeller blade pitch angle, allowing the propeller to adapt its characteristics to different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the propeller to maintain optimized efficiency across a broader range of load conditions while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the propeller blade pitch angle parameter in response to varying load conditions. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the propeller can operate efficiently across different load ranges rather than being restricted to a narrow optimal range, thus improving both flexibility and energy efficiency.
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
This design results in a more efficient, lightweight, and compact propeller drive with reduced energy losses and increased flexibility, allowing for optimized efficiency within a restricted load range and enabling flexible operating states, including charging and fault tolerance, while maintaining aerodynamic advantages.
Implementation Method 1
The conversion of electrical energy into kinetic energy of the propellers is carried out by compact, aerodynamically favorable electric motors
Implementation Method 2
three-phase current may be fed directly into the propeller machine via the AC connection of the electric drive and propeller machine
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a propeller drive that is, in particular, an aircraft drive and includes a propeller machine and an electric drive connected without a converter to the propeller machine. The aircraft includes such a propeller drive.