Shared Inverter for Multi-Motor Hybrid Aircraft Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid propulsion systems for multi-rotor rotary-wing aircraft are relatively heavy due to the number and weight of inverters and CEM filters, and lack efficient synchronization of electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid propulsion system where multiple electric motors are supplied by a single inverter, reducing the number of inverters and CEM filters, and optimizing motor synchronization by minimizing variance in intrinsic characteristics such as stator resistances and rotor fluxes across motor groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each electric motor is supplied by a separate inverter, then motor control precision is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inverters into a single shared inverter that supplies multiple electric motors simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the total number of inverters and associated CEM filters, directly addressing the weight reduction goal while maintaining coordinated motor control through unified power conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared inverter is designed to perform multiple functions by supplying power to multiple different electric motors. This universal power conversion device replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated inverters for each motor, achieving weight reduction while maintaining system functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple inverters are used for multiple electric motors, then individual motor control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent inverter units into a single shared inverter system. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while maintaining the ability to control individual motors through the unified power conversion system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors have varying intrinsic characteristics, then system adaptability is improved, but synchronization performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses synchronization issues by carefully selecting and matching motor parameters, particularly stator resistances and rotor fluxes. By controlling the variance of these intrinsic characteristics across motors supplied by the same inverter, the system achieves better synchronization performance while maintaining adaptability through the shared power conversion system.
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 configuration leads to a weight reduction and improved lift capabilities by synchronizing electric motors effectively, while maintaining redundancy for safety.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier connected to the electric generator to convert an alternating current delivered by the electric generator into a direct current
Implementation Method 2
means for converting the direct current into alternating current
Implementation Method 3
an electric generator coupled to the internal combustion engine such that in use, the internal combustion engine drives the electric generator
Implementation Method 4
electric motors connected to the conversion means such that in use, the conversion means supply the first electric motors with alternating current
Data Source
AI summary
In order to reduce the weight of a hybrid propulsion system for a multi-rotor rotary-wing aircraft, the system comprises at least one inverter configured to supply power in parallel to multiple electric motors intended to drive the corresponding propellers of the system.