Wing-Integrated Modular Battery Layout for Aircraft Access and CG
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft battery placement in the fuselage consumes valuable space, compromising cargo and passenger capacity, and poses challenges in access and maintenance due to structural integrity concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular airfoil-shaped battery system is integrated into the aircraft wing, with access openings in the forward spar allowing for battery module insertion and removal, electrical and thermal management, and distribution of batteries to optimize center of gravity and safety, without requiring removal of the wing skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batteries are placed in the fuselage, then access and maintenance are easy, but fuselage space is consumed reducing cargo or personnel capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is extracted from the fuselage and relocated to the wing structure. Specifically, battery modules are installed within the wing's torque box and spar areas, separating the energy storage function from the passenger/cargo volume while maintaining serviceability through dedicated access panels in the wing skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery installation moves from the traditional fuselage volume to the wing's three-dimensional space, utilizing the torque box and spar areas that are otherwise structurally functional. This dimensional relocation allows simultaneous optimization of both space utilization and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If access openings are made large for battery installation, then battery access is easy, but wing skin integrity is compromised creating potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular units that can be accessed through segmented panels in the wing skin. These panels are designed to provide just enough opening for module removal while minimizing the cutout area, thereby preserving overall wing skin integrity while enabling maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
Dedicated access panels serve as intermediaries between the external maintenance environment and the internal battery modules. These panels are specifically designed with appropriate sizing and positioning to allow tool and module passage while distributing stress concentrations and maintaining structural continuity in the wing skin.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fasteners are removed from wing skins for battery access, then battery installation is enabled, but loose holes increase aircraft weight and create failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module mounting system is merged with the existing wing structure, utilizing the torque box and spar as integrated mounting surfaces. This eliminates the need for separate fastener holes in the wing skin, as modules are secured through structural interfaces that are part of the wing's load-bearing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift, structural support, and integrated battery mounting. The torque box and spar areas that traditionally served only structural purposes now also function as battery installation locations, eliminating the need for additional fastening holes and associated weight penalties.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular airfoil-shaped battery disposed in a wing of an aircraft is presented. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a system configured to have batteries or battery modules stored and accessible through access openings in the forward wing spar. The access openings in the forward spar can provide access for battery insertion and removal, as well as electrical and thermal management connections. Such forward spar access openings can be a relatively small, as the access opening need to only be as large as the battery cross section. A battery can comprise one or more battery modules based on the application requirements. The aircraft battery can be distributed among more, smaller battery modules. The battery modules can be placed in different locations in the wing. For example, the battery modules can be placed proximate an aircraft fuselage to achieve a better center of gravity.