Electric Propulsion Load Balancing for Isolated Aircraft Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric aircraft with multiple isolated battery systems, uneven distribution of electrical loads leads to faster discharge of some batteries, reducing the effective range and flight time due to unequal state of charge across systems.
Innovation Solution
A flight control system adjusts power levels across motors connected to different battery systems using software commands, balancing the electrical load without requiring additional hardware, by commanding more or less power from specific motors to equalize battery state of charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical load is distributed across multiple isolated battery systems, then the aircraft can operate with redundant power sources, but the load may not be evenly distributed causing some batteries to drain faster and reducing effective range
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control system continuously monitors the state of charge of each battery system and dynamically adjusts motor power commands based on this feedback. When one battery system's charge level drops below others, the system automatically reduces power draw from that battery and redistributes load to maintain balanced discharge rates, ensuring all batteries are depleted simultaneously to maximize effective range
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reallocates electrical load distribution across battery systems during flight operations. By continuously adjusting which batteries supply power to which motors based on real-time state of charge levels, the system transforms from a static load distribution approach to a dynamic one that adapts to changing battery conditions, preventing premature depletion of any single battery
2Power
If more power is drawn from batteries to increase flight performance, then the aircraft can achieve higher power output, but the battery state of charge becomes unbalanced reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting power commands to individual motors based on battery state of charge levels. When a battery's charge level diverges from the group, the flight control system modifies the power draw parameters for motors connected to that battery, dynamically optimizing the balance between maintaining high power output and preserving flight efficiency through balanced load distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein relates to, among other topics, an aircraft flight system (or any vehicle system) for balancing loads across different distributed power units (e.g., batteries). In particular, the technology is directed to balancing battery systems (e.g., in aircraft with multiple isolated battery systems used for electric propulsion) using electric propulsion unit commands.