Series Hybrid Powertrain Controller Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft engine controllers are inadequate for effectively controlling the electromotive power flow in series hybrid powertrains used by hybrid electric aircraft, as they lack the dynamic response required to manage changing load demands, leading to suboptimal powertrain performance.
Innovation Solution
A system controller is implemented that utilizes feedback loops outside internal control loops and optimizes power splits between generated and stored electrical energy sources, detects faulty components, and adjusts power delivery to ensure efficient operation, using calculations based on real-time data from sensors and aircraft management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional FADEC system is used to control the aircraft engine, then the control structure is simple and reliable, but the dynamic response to changing load demands is insufficient and powertrain performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: a high-level system controller that manages overall powertrain strategy and a low-level FADEC that handles immediate engine control. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast local responses while maintaining complex global optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controller acts as an intermediary between the pilot's power demand input and the engine's fuel flow control. It processes the power demand signal, determines optimal power splits between engine and battery, and generates appropriate control commands for the FADEC, thereby enabling dynamic response without requiring direct complex control of all engine parameters.
2Productivity
If the system controller optimizes power splits between engine and battery, then powertrain efficiency is improved, but the control calculations and decision-making complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controller pre-calculates optimal power split strategies based on predicted power demands and current system state. By preparing control strategies in advance and using lookup tables for common operating conditions, the system achieves efficient real-time control without requiring complex real-time calculations for every decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual power outputs from the engine and battery, compares them with commanded values, and adjusts the power split strategy accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain optimal efficiency while using relatively simple control algorithms that react to actual system performance rather than requiring complex predictive modeling.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, to facilitate and/or support one or more operations and/or techniques for a system controller for a series hybrid powertrain, such as employed for propulsion of a hybrid electric aircraft, for example.