Reconfigurable Isolated DC/DC Converter for Variable Aircraft Bus Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters for aircraft electrical networks are optimized for specific voltage ranges and fail to operate efficiently when the high direct voltage network varies significantly, leading to suboptimal performance and limited operating ranges.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable power conversion system that includes switching means to operate in three configurations: isolated DC/DC converter, isolated DC/DC converter with an LC resonance circuit, and isolated DC/DC converter with an LCC resonance circuit, allowing adaptation to varying input voltage ranges and maintaining efficiency through simple control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power converter is optimized for a specific voltage range (270V nominal), then it achieves optimal performance at that voltage, but it fails to operate efficiently when the high direct voltage network varies significantly (±10-20% variation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable power converter that can dynamically switch between three different circuit configurations (first configuration with first switch closed, second configuration with second switch closed, third configuration with third switch closed) based on the input voltage level. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the converter to adapt to varying voltage conditions (220-330V range) while maintaining optimal performance, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability at a specific voltage and adaptability across voltage ranges.
2Ease of operation
If the converter is designed with fixed configuration for nominal voltage, then the control is simple, but the operating point is not optimized when voltage varies
Solution Approach 1:
The converter uses a control unit that automatically selects the appropriate circuit configuration based on the detected input voltage level. This dynamic selection process maintains simple control operation while ensuring optimal conversion efficiency across the entire voltage range (220-330V), as each configuration is optimized for specific voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the circuit topology parameters (which switches are closed) based on the input voltage parameter. By adjusting the configuration parameters according to voltage variations, the system maintains high conversion efficiency without complicating the control mechanism, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and conversion efficiency.
3Speed
If switching frequency is increased to improve power conversion speed, then the conversion response is faster, but electromagnetic compatibility and ripple reduction become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the switching frequency based on the operating configuration. In configurations where electromagnetic compatibility is critical, the system operates at lower frequencies to reduce EMI and ripple. In configurations where fast response is needed and EMI is less critical, higher frequencies are used. This dynamic frequency adjustment resolves the contradiction between conversion speed and electromagnetic compatibility.
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
The system optimizes power converter operation across a wider voltage range, ensuring efficient power conversion and electromagnetic compatibility by dynamically adjusting configurations in response to voltage variations, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing size constraints on passive components.
Implementation Method 1
a resonance circuit formed by: the first inductor, and the first capacitor
Implementation Method 2
an isolated transformer 4, capable of converting a high DC voltage V1 applied to the terminals of a first H-bridge, into a low DC voltage V2 applied to the terminals of a second H-bridge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a power conversion system for an on-board power supply system in an aircraft, said power conversion system being capable of converting a high DC voltage into a low DC voltage, and vice versa, and comprising switching means designed such that the system operates according to various configurations, each of which forms an isolated DC/DC converter.