Single Inverter for Variable Frequency Aircraft Electrical Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical systems with directly connected generators face challenges in maintaining a stable on-board network frequency, requiring complex and costly frequency converters for motor-driven loads, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system utilizing a single inverter to convert variable frequency alternating current for multiple electrical loads, including synchronous and asynchronous motors, with load switches and a collector line for redundancy, reducing weight and complexity by allowing simultaneous operation and automatic frequency adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple inverters are used for each electrical load to maintain stable frequency, then the frequency stability is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical loads that require frequency conversion into a single group served by one common inverter. Instead of providing separate inverters for each load, the system merges the frequency conversion function into a shared resource, thereby reducing the total number of inverters from multiple individual units to a single centralized inverter while maintaining frequency stability for all connected loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The common inverter is designed to serve multiple electrical loads simultaneously, making it a universal device that performs the frequency conversion function for various types of loads including synchronous motors, asynchronous motors, and other electrical equipment. This multi-functional approach allows one inverter to replace what would traditionally require several specialized inverters.
2Reliability
If multiple inverters with complex filter circuits are used to meet high network quality requirements, then the electrical load operation reliability is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filtering and rectification functions into a single centralized system within the common inverter, eliminating the need for multiple separate filter circuits and rectifier assemblies. By combining these functions, the total weight of filter technology and associated components is significantly reduced compared to having individual inverters with their own filter circuits for each electrical load.
3Device complexity
If a common inverter serves multiple electrical loads, then the weight and device complexity are reduced, but the reliability may worsen due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a standby or backup common inverter that can take over if the primary inverter fails. This preventive measure ensures that the failure of a single inverter does not result in complete system shutdown, as the backup inverter is already in place to immediately assume the frequency conversion function for all electrical loads, thereby maintaining operational 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
This solution reduces the weight and cost of aircraft electrical systems by eliminating the need for multiple inverters and simplifying filter technology, ensuring constant capacity and efficient operation of electrical loads even if one inverter fails.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter (18a, 18b) which transforms an alternating current having a variable first frequency into a second alternating current
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical system for an aircraft is provided. The system comprises an inverter for transforming a first alternating current from an on-board network having a variable frequency into a second alternating current, and at least a first electrical load and at least a second electrical load, which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the second alternating current.