Solid Switch Power Distribution Controller with Backup Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft power distribution systems face limitations in the number of loads that can be supported on emergency buses, which are backed up by essential power feeds, leading to potential power interruptions and inefficient power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution controller integrating solid state power controllers (SSPCs), a power system, and a backup power system with a rechargeable energy device, allowing selective delivery of power from both primary and backup sources to maintain load operation during interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loads are placed on emergency buses backed up by essential power feeds, then power interruption is avoided, but the number of supported loads is limited and essential power feeds are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power management into multiple independent solid state power controllers (SSPCs), each capable of autonomous operation with its own backup power system. This segmentation allows individual load management rather than relying on a single shared emergency bus, thereby supporting more loads without consuming essential power feeds from the main system.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup power systems are pre-charged during normal operation before power interruptions occur. By accumulating energy in advance during normal power availability, the system ensures immediate power continuity when interruptions happen, eliminating the need to draw from essential power feeds during emergencies.
2Reliability
If emergency buses are used to avoid power interruption, then load operation is maintained, but essential power feeds are consumed that may be required for other systems
Solution Approach 1:
Each solid state power controller incorporates its own independent backup power system that serves its associated loads autonomously. This self-service approach allows each controller to manage its own power continuity needs without drawing from the central essential power feeds, enabling other systems to utilize those feeds for their required operations.
3Reliability
If traditional emergency buses are used, then power interruption is avoided, but device complexity increases due to limited load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromechanical circuit breakers and relay-based emergency bus systems with solid state power controllers. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts and complex switching mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving power continuity reliability through solid state switching and independent backup systems.
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
Enables reliable power delivery to multiple loads by using rechargeable energy storage during normal operations and switching to backup power during interruptions, optimizing power usage and reducing the risk of load shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
backup power system with a rechargeable energy device, allowing selective delivery of power from both primary and backup sources to maintain load operation during interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution controller includes a solid state power controller (SSPC), a power system, and a backup power system. The SSPC is configured to selectively deliver a first power from a first power source to at least one electrical load. The power system is in signal communication with the at least one SSPC. The backup power system includes a first output in signal communication with the SSPC and a second output in signal communication with the power system.