Variable Frequency Generator Phase Alignment for Non-Break Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft systems face challenges in smoothly transferring power between generators due to abrupt changes in voltage, current, or frequency, which can increase weight and cost through the need for additional circuitry to stabilize these changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two variable frequency generators with phase-aligned multiphase signals and a system of switches allows for non-break power transfer without abrupt changes in voltage, current, or frequency, reducing the need for stabilizing circuitry by matching the rotational rates and phases of the generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power transfer is performed between generators with variable frequency, then power supply continuity is maintained, but abrupt changes in voltage, current, or frequency occur causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
A phase alignment system acts as an intermediary between the two generators, measuring and adjusting the phase difference between their output signals. This intermediary component ensures that when power transfer occurs between generators operating at variable frequencies, the phase alignment maintains electrical signal stability while preserving power supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase parameter of the electrical signals during power transfer. By changing the phase parameter to maintain alignment between generators, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining continuous power supply and preventing abrupt changes in voltage, current, or frequency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If circuitry is added to smooth or eliminate changes in voltage, current, or frequency, then electrical signal stability is improved, but aircraft weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding heavy smoothing circuitry throughout the power system, a dedicated phase alignment intermediary is introduced. This focused intermediary component provides the necessary stability function with minimal weight addition, as it only needs to manage phase relationships rather than handle full power smoothing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stabilizes electrical signals by adjusting the phase parameter rather than adding substantial circuitry. This parameter-based approach allows for stability improvement with minimal hardware addition, thereby limiting weight and cost increases while maintaining signal stability during power transfers.
3Stability of the object's composition
If circuitry is added to smooth or eliminate changes in voltage, current, or frequency, then electrical signal stability is improved, but design complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase alignment system serves as a specialized intermediary that handles stability management in a focused manner. This approach reduces overall device complexity by concentrating the stabilization function in a dedicated subsystem rather than distributing complex smoothing circuitry throughout the entire power system.
4Stability of the object's composition
If phase alignment is implemented between generators, then abrupt changes during power transfer are eliminated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase alignment system is structured as a modular intermediary with distinct measurement and adjustment functions. This modular organization manages system complexity by separating concerns into manageable components, making the overall system more maintainable and easier to implement despite the added functionality.
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 enables efficient power transfer between generators without introducing abrupt changes in electrical signals, thereby reducing the weight and cost associated with stabilizing circuitry, leading to decreased fuel consumption and design complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first variable frequency generator having a first rotor and a first stator. The first rotor is coupled, via a first rotary coupling, to the engine and is rotatable at a rate that is based on a rotational rate of the engine to cause the first variable frequency generator to generate a first multiphase signal
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes an engine and a first variable frequency generator having a first rotor that is rotatable at a rate that is based on a rotational rate of the engine to cause the first variable frequency generator to generate a first multiphase signal. The aircraft further includes a second variable frequency generator having a second rotor that is rotatable at the rate to cause the second variable frequency generator to generate a second multiphase signal. The first multiphase signal is phase aligned with the second multiphase signal. The aircraft further includes one or more switches coupled to a first electrical system and configured to selectively provide power to the first electrical system based on either the first multiphase signal or the second multiphase signal.