Temperature-Based Power Profiling in DC Converter Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems on aircraft face challenges in balancing performance, weight, and cost while ensuring efficient power delivery to diverse electrical consumers, often requiring significant installation space due to temperature regulation of power converters.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a temperature control apparatus that adjusts maximum power values based on measured temperatures, coupled with a power profile management system to dynamically allocate power to consumers, optimizing space usage and ensuring reliable power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the maximum power of power converters is increased to meet passenger charging demands, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the weight and costs of the power distribution system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the power distribution system continuously monitors temperature conditions and adjusts the maximum power delivery capability of individual converter modules in real-time. This allows the system to operate at higher power levels when temperatures are acceptable while reducing power when thermal limits are approached, replacing the need for oversized static converters with dynamically adjustable ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of power converters based on temperature measurements. By monitoring temperature profiles and adjusting power delivery parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between power delivery capability and thermal management requirements, avoiding the need for excessive cooling infrastructure that would increase weight.
2Temperature
If power converters are installed with adequate ventilation space to dissipate heat effectively, then thermal management is improved, but the installation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic thermal management where the system continuously monitors temperature and adjusts power delivery accordingly. This eliminates the need for large static ventilation spaces, as the system adapts its operation to thermal conditions rather than requiring predetermined thermal headroom.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by measuring temperature profiles of power converter modules and using this information to adjust power allocation. Temperature sensors provide continuous feedback to the control unit, which modifies power delivery to maintain thermal safety without requiring excessive physical space for passive cooling.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the maximum power is regulated as a function of temperature to prevent overheating, then thermal safety is improved, but the available power to passengers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power limits to different converter modules based on their individual temperature conditions. Rather than uniformly reducing power across the entire system, the control unit identifies which specific modules are experiencing thermal conditions and adjusts power allocation locally, maintaining optimal power delivery to modules operating within safe thermal parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power delivery parameters based on real-time temperature measurements. When temperature thresholds are exceeded, the system adjusts the maximum power values for affected converter modules while maintaining full power capability for modules operating within acceptable thermal ranges, optimizing the balance between safety and power availability.
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 system reduces space requirements and efficiently manages power distribution by dynamically adjusting power allocation, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to essential and non-essential loads while minimizing overheating risks.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature measuring apparatus (8), wherein the temperature control apparatus is coupled upstream of the at least one converter module and is designed to adapt the maximum module power value of the at least one converter module as a function of the temperature of the power distribution system as measured by the temperature measuring apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power distribution system with least one converter module having a converter to make electrical DC voltage power with adjustable maximum power values available on a multiplicity of electrical output interfaces of the converter module up to a maximum module power value and a temperature control apparatus having a temperature measuring apparatus. The temperature control apparatus is coupled upstream of the at least one converter module to adapt the maximum module power value of the at least one converter module as a function of the temperature of the power distribution system as measured by the temperature measuring apparatus. The temperature control apparatus is designed to create a profile of the temperatures measured by the temperature measuring apparatus as a function of the maximum power values made available by the converter.