Transformer Inversion for Aircraft Power Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft electrical systems face inefficiencies and weight increases due to conventional frequency conversion techniques, which consume more space and fuel, and result in reduced power generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A transformer is positioned at the input of an inverter instead of the output, allowing for voltage stepping down before frequency conversion, enabling selective provision of variable frequency power to certain systems and constant frequency power to others, thereby reducing parasitic power consumption and component size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a transformer is positioned at the output of an inverter in conventional designs, then voltage can be stepped down after frequency conversion, but the component size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransformer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the transformer at the input of the inverter rather than at the output. This allows voltage to be stepped down before frequency conversion, reducing the parasitic power consumption of the inverter and significantly decreasing the size and weight of the transformer, as lower voltage signals require smaller magnetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer performs voltage stepping down as a preliminary action before the inverter conducts frequency conversion. By reducing the voltage first, the subsequent frequency conversion operation requires less energy, and the final output transformer (if needed) can be much smaller in size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequency conversion is performed using conventional techniques, then constant frequency power can be provided to systems, but parasitic power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency conversion capabilityVSAvoidparasitic power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer performs voltage reduction as a preliminary step before frequency conversion. By lowering the voltage before the inverter operates, the parasitic power consumption during frequency conversion is significantly reduced while maintaining the capability to provide constant frequency power to aircraft systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If voltage is stepped down after frequency conversion, then power can be distributed to systems, but the transformer size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distributionVSAvoidtransformer volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of stepping down voltage after frequency conversion as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the sequence by stepping down voltage before frequency conversion. This inversion allows power distribution to be maintained while the transformer size and volume are significantly reduced due to the lower voltage levels throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Power

If conventional electrical component arrangements are used, then power conversion functions are achieved, but available aircraft area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoidcomponent area

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement of transformer and inverter, positioning the transformer at the input of the inverter. This allows voltage to be reduced before frequency conversion, enabling the use of smaller magnetic components throughout the system and thereby reducing the total area occupied by electrical components in the aircraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reduces power consumption and weight, decreases fuel consumption, and minimizes the size of electrical components, improving overall system efficiency and reducing the physical size of transformers.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer is coupled to an output of the inverter and is configured to 'step down' electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11139110B2Transformer and method of generating multiple multiphase output signals

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An apparatus includes a plurality of input nodes configured to receive a multiphase alternating current (AC) input signal. The apparatus further includes a plurality of inductors, a neutral terminal, a first plurality of output nodes, and a second plurality of output nodes. The plurality of inductors is coupled to the plurality of input nodes, and the neutral terminal is coupled to the plurality of inductors. The first plurality of output nodes is coupled to the plurality of inductors and is configured to output a first multiphase AC output signal. The second plurality of output nodes is coupled to the plurality of inductors and is configured to output a second multiphase AC output signal.