Shared-Inverter Compressor Cooling With Synchronous Booster Fan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive air flow methods are inadequate for effectively cooling high-powered compressors in aircraft under certain conditions, necessitating improved cooling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-motor system comprising a high-powered permanent magnet motor for the compressor fan and a low-powered induction motor for a booster fan, both powered by a shared three-phase inverter, operates in parallel and synchronously to enhance airflow through a cooling chamber, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive air flow methods are used to cool the compressor, then the system complexity is reduced, but the cooling effectiveness is inadequate for high-powered compressors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressor motor's own power output to drive a cooling fan, allowing the compressor to cool itself actively. The motor controller diverts power from the compressor motor to the cooling fan motor, creating a self-contained cooling solution that doesn't require external power sources or complex separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts fan motor power based on real-time compressor temperature and power output. The motor controller continuously monitors compressor conditions and adjusts the cooling fan's power consumption accordingly, increasing cooling during high-power operation and reducing it when less cooling is needed, optimizing both effectiveness and efficiency.
2Temperature
If active cooling with a cooling fan is implemented, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan motor is designed to operate across a wide power range (0-100% of compressor power) to handle various cooling demands. The motor controller can adjust the fan's power consumption dynamically, allowing the same motor to provide minimal cooling during low-power compressor operation and maximum cooling during high-power operation, optimizing energy efficiency across all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power consumption parameter of the cooling fan based on compressor operating conditions. The motor controller adjusts the fan motor's power input as a function of compressor power output and temperature, creating a variable cooling response that matches actual cooling needs rather than providing constant cooling, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
3Reliability
If a separate cooling system with independent power source is used, then the cooling reliability is improved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the compressor motor system by using the same power source (compressor motor) to drive both the compressor and the cooling fan. The motor controller integrates control of both motors, and the cooling fan is positioned to utilize the compressor's exhaust air, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 dual-motor system significantly increases airflow velocity in the cooling chamber, effectively cooling the high-powered compressor, thereby maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor (220), wherein the first motor (220) is a permanent magnet motor
Implementation Method 2
a second motor (226), wherein the second motor (226) is an induction motor
Implementation Method 3
a cooling chamber (204) fluidly coupled to an air inlet (208) of the compressor and having an exhaust line (214)
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a compression system for pressurizing a cabin of the aircraft. The air compression system includes a first motor, a second motor and an inverter. The first motor compresses air at a compressor to pressurize the cabin, thereby generating heat. The second motor circulates a cooling air to cool the compressor. The inverter provides power to both the first motor and the second motor.