阅读说明：本技术 电池电源 (Battery power supply ) 是由 拉塞尔·马克·康普顿 约翰·奥利弗·柯林斯 于 2019-07-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于配电系统的方法和设备包括从具有通过可选连接件连接的一组可放电电力存储装置的电源提供电力供给至电压输出,并且可切换地将电压输出连接到具有不同的电特性的一组电力输出。(A method and apparatus for a power distribution system includes providing a supply of power to a voltage output from a power source having a set of dischargeable power storage devices connected by selectable connections, and switchably connecting the voltage output to a set of power outputs having different electrical characteristics.)

1. An electric power supply, comprising:

a set of power storage units arranged in series, each power storage unit having a respective Direct Current (DC) dischargeable power storage device, a first selectable connection configured to enable a voltage output of the respective power storage device, and a second selectable connection configured to enable bypassing of the voltage output of the respective power storage device;

a controller module communicatively coupled to a set of first selectable connections and a set of second selectable connections and configured to selectively enable at least a subset of the first selectable connections or a subset of the second selectable connections; and

a voltage output of the set of power storage units configured to switchably connect with a set of power outputs, wherein the set of power outputs have different electrical characteristics.

2. An electric power supply as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the set of power outputs is a DC power output.

3. An electric power supply as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the set of power outputs is an Alternating Current (AC) power output.

4. A power supply as in claim 3, wherein the controller module is configured to selectively enable at least a subset of the first selectable connections or a subset of the second selectable connections, and wherein the selectively enabling simulates the AC waveform at the power output.

5. A power supply as in claim 3, wherein the set of power storage cells comprises a first set of power storage cells arranged in series and connected to the voltage output, the first set of power storage cells having a positive voltage DC dischargeable power storage device, and a second set of power storage cells arranged in series and connected to the voltage output, the second set of power storage cells having a negative voltage DC dischargeable power storage device.

6. An electric power supply as in claim 1, wherein the set of power outputs includes at least one DC power output and at least one AC power output.

7. A power supply as in claim 1, wherein the set of power outputs includes at least a first DC power output and a second DC power output, wherein the electrical characteristic of the first DC power output is different than the electrical characteristic of the second DC power output.

8. A power supply as in claim 1, wherein the set of power outputs includes at least a first AC power output and a second AC power output, wherein the electrical characteristic of the first AC power output is different than the electrical characteristic of the second AC power output.

9. A method of supplying power, the method comprising:

selectively enabling, by a controller module, one of a voltage output connection or a bypass connection for each of a set of dischargeable Direct Current (DC) power storage units arranged in series such that a total output of the set of power storage units is provided to a set of switchably connected power outputs.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising sensing, by a power sensor, a dischargeable power value of at least a subset of the dischargeable power storage cells.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for operating power supplies, and more particularly to systems for operating switchable outputs of power supplies.

Background

A power distribution system manages the distribution of power from an energy source to electrical loads that consume distributed power. In an aircraft, one or more turbine engines provide propulsion of the aircraft, and may further provide mechanical energy to generate electrical power that is supplied to a plurality of selectively interconnected electrical power buses. The power bus may be selectively connected by contactors and ultimately power a number of different accessories (e.g., Environmental Control Systems (ECS), in-flight entertainment systems, windshield de-icing, galley, fuel pumps, and hydraulic pumps, such as equipment for functions required on the aircraft other than propulsion). For example, modern aircraft utilize electrical power for electrical loads associated with avionics, motors, and other electrical equipment.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electric power supply comprising: a set of power storage units arranged in series, each power storage unit having a respective Direct Current (DC) dischargeable power storage device, a first selectable connection configured to enable a voltage output of the respective power storage device, and a second selectable connection configured to enable a voltage output of the respective power storage device to be bypassed; a controller module communicatively coupled to the set of first selectable connections and the set of second selectable connections and configured to selectively enable at least a subset of the first selectable connections or a subset of the second selectable connections; and a voltage output of the set of power storage units configured to switchably connect with a set of power outputs, wherein the set of power outputs have different electrical characteristics.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of supplying power that includes selectively enabling, by a controller module, one of a voltage output connection or a bypass connection for each of a set of dischargeable Direct Current (DC) power storage units arranged in series such that a total output of the set of power storage units is provided to a set of switchably connected power outputs.

Drawings

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a schematic overhead view of an aircraft and an electrical distribution system of the aircraft in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power distribution system of the aircraft of fig. 1, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery power source that may be used in the power distribution system of fig. 1, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a voltage plot of an AC waveform of the battery power supply of fig. 3, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 5 illustrates a three-phase AC power source that may be used in the power distribution system of fig. 2 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 6 is an example diagram illustrating supplying power during a power transfer event of a power distribution system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of matching a controllable power output to another power output, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of another power distribution system of the aircraft of fig. 1, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of another battery power source that may be used in the power distribution system of fig. 1, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of another battery power source that may be used in the power distribution system of fig. 1, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in the context of an aircraft, which is capable of generating electrical power from an energy source such as a turbine engine, jet fuel, hydrogen, and the like. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not so limited and has general applicability to power distribution systems in non-aircraft applications, including other mobile applications and non-mobile industrial, commercial, and residential applications. For example, suitable mobile environments may include aircraft, spacecraft, space launch vehicles, satellites, locomotives, automobiles, and the like. A commercial environment may include a manufacturing facility or a power generation and distribution facility or infrastructure.

While a "set" of various elements will be described, it should be understood that a "set" can include any number of the corresponding elements, including only one element. The use of the terms "proximal" or "proximally" refer to movement in a direction toward another component, or relatively closer to another component than another reference point. Also as used herein, although a sensor may be described as "sensing" or "measuring" a corresponding value, sensing or measuring may include determining a value indicative of or related to the corresponding value, rather than directly sensing or measuring the value itself. The sensed or measured values may further be provided to other components. For example, a value may be provided to a controller module or processor, and the controller module or processor may perform processing on the value to determine a representative value or electrical characteristic representative of the value. Additionally, although terms such as "voltage," "current," and "power" may be used herein, these terms may be interrelated, to one skilled in the art, when describing aspects of a circuit or circuit operation.

Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. Thus, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In a non-limiting example, a connection or disconnection can be selectively configured, connected, or connectable to provide, enable, disable, etc., an electrical connection between the various elements. Non-limiting example power distribution bus connections or disconnections may be enabled or operated by switches, bus connection logic, or any other connector configured to enable or disable energization of electrical loads downstream of the buses or between the buses.

As used herein, a "system" or "controller module" may include at least one processor and memory. Non-limiting examples of memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or one or more different types of portable electronic memory (e.g., disk, DVD, CD-ROM, etc.), or any suitable combination of these types of memory. The processor may be configured to execute any suitable program or executable instructions designed to perform various methods, functions, processing tasks, calculations, etc. to enable or implement the operations or operations of the techniques described herein. The program may comprise a computer program product which may include a machine-readable medium for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Generally, such computer programs may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, algorithms, etc., that have the technical effect of performing particular tasks or implementing particular abstract data types.

As used herein, a controllable switching element or "switch" is an electrical device that is controllable to switch between a first mode of operation, in which the switch is "closed" with the aim of transmitting current from a switch input to a switch output, and a second mode of operation, in which the switch is "open" with the aim of preventing current from being transmitted between the switch input and the switch output. In a non-limiting example, a connection or disconnection of a connection, such as enabled or disabled by a controllable switching element, may be selectively configured to provide, enable, disable, etc., an electrical connection between the various elements.

The exemplary drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, locations, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings may vary.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an aircraft 10 having at least one turbine engine is shown, shown as a left engine system 12 and a right engine system 14. Alternatively, the powertrain may have fewer or additional engine systems. The left and right engine systems 12, 14 may be substantially identical, and may further include at least one power source, shown as a first generator 18 and a second generator 19, respectively. At least one of the first generator 18 or the second generator 19 may include a variable speed or variable output generator 18, 19. In this example, the variable speed or variable output generators 18,19 may include generators 18,19 adapted or configured to operate within a predetermined range of input speeds, gearbox speed ratios, or the like, and may produce an electrical power output within a predetermined output range (e.g., a voltage output range, a current output range, a frequency output range, or a combination thereof). In one non-limiting example, the variable output generators 18,19 may include generators adapted or configured to output approximately 115 volts of AC between 390 and 410 hertz.

The left and right engine systems 12, 14 may also include another respective power source, such as a second electric machine or a set of generators (not shown). Non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure may be included wherein, for example, the left engine system 12 includes the first generator 18 as a primary power source and an additional generator as an auxiliary, backup, or redundant power source. The aircraft is shown to also have a set of electrical consumers or loads 20, such as actuator loads, flight critical loads and non-flight critical loads.

The electrical load 20 is electrically coupled to at least one of the generators 18,19 via a power distribution system 30, the power distribution system 30 including, for example, power transmission lines 22, bus bars, power buses (or the like) and a set of power distribution nodes 16. The aircraft 10 may also include a set of supplemental power sources 24 that are selectively connectable with the transmission line 22 and operable to provide at least a portion of the primary power source, supplemental power source, redundant power source, backup power source, emergency power source, and the like. Non-limiting examples of supplemental power source 24 may include, but are not limited to, a generator, such as an auxiliary or emergency generator, a solar panel, a fuel cell, a battery, or any other power source. As shown, the set of supplemental power sources 24 may provide power to the set of transmission lines 22, and thus to the set of electrical nodes 16 or the set of electrical loads 20.

In the aircraft 10, operating the left and right engine systems 12, 14 provides mechanical energy, which may be typically extracted via a spool, to provide driving power for the set of generators 18, 19. The set of generators 18,19 then generate electrical power, such as AC or DC power, and provide the generated power to a transmission line 22, which transmission line 22 delivers the power to electrical loads 20 located throughout the aircraft 10. Further, during operation, the set of supplemental power sources 24 may be selectively connected with the transmission line 22 and operable to provide primary or supplemental power to a subset of the electrical loads 20.

Exemplary power distribution management functions may include, but are not limited to, selectively enabling or disabling power delivery to particular electrical loads 20 depending on, for example, available power distribution supply, criticality of the function of the electrical loads 20, or aircraft operating mode (e.g., takeoff, cruise, or ground operation). During emergency or inadequate power generation, including but not limited to engine or generator failure, the at least one supplemental power source 24 may be operated, enabled, or connected to provide power to the electrical load 20. Additional management functions may be included.

It should be appreciated that while aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated in the aircraft environment of FIG. 1, the present disclosure is not so limited and may have applicability in a variety of environments. For example, although the description is directed to a power system architecture in an aircraft, aspects of the present disclosure may be further applicable to providing power, supplemental power, emergency power, base power, etc. in other non-emergency operations (e.g., takeoff, landing, or cruise flight operations).

Further, the number and arrangement of the various components depicted in fig. 1 are also non-limiting examples of aspects associated with the present disclosure. For example, while various components have been shown in relation to the location of the aircraft 10 (e.g., electrical loads 20 on the wings of the aircraft 10, etc.), aspects of the present disclosure are not so limited, and the components are not limited based on their schematic depiction. Additional aircraft 10 configurations are contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of an exemplary power distribution system 30 that may be used in the aircraft 10 is shown. The power distribution system 30 is shown as having a set of power sources, such as a first generator 18 and a second generator 19. Although two generators 18,19 are shown, aspects of the present disclosure may include any number of generators 18,19 or power sources, as desired. Additionally, the set of generators 18,19 may include respective power outputs 40 for powering the various system components. While the set of generators 18,19 are similarly illustrated, it is contemplated that the set of generators 18,19 may supply or produce substantially similar power output characteristics or varying power output characteristics.

Each generator 18,19 may be selectively connected to a respective power bus of the power distribution system 30 via a power output 40, shown as a first power bus 32 connectable with the first generator 18 and a second power bus 34 connectable with the second generator. The contactor 54 may act as a relay or switch between each generator 18,19 and its respective power bus 32,34 to selectively connect the generator 18,19 to the power bus 32, 34. As used herein, the contactor 54 may include a selectively controllable device adapted or configured to be capable of switching, connecting or disconnecting between various components. The set of power buses 32,34 may also be connected with a corresponding set of electrical loads 20. In one non-limiting example, a subset of the electrical loads 20 may be connected to the respective power bus 32,34 by at least one Transformer Rectifier (TRU) 56. As used herein, the TRU 56 may be configured or adapted to convert or correct the power characteristics of the supply power from the power buses 32,34 to another different alternative or appropriate power characteristic for the given electrical load 20. Additionally, the plurality of power buses 32,34 may be selectively connected or coupled together by a contactor 54, for example, to connect one power bus 32 with at least one other power bus 34. In this case, a power source or power supply, such as the first generator 18, may selectively or operatively supply power to the first power bus 32, which may be further shared, supplied or supplemented with the second power bus 34 by the contactor 54.

The power distribution system 30 may also include at least one additional battery power source 60 that may be selectively connected to at least one of the power buses 32,34, such as through the contactor 54. The battery power supply 60 may include a controller module 79 and a set of power storage units 62, the controller module 79 including a processor 81 and a memory 83. Each power storage unit 62 or group of power storage units 62 may include at least one DC power storage device, and associated circuitry (e.g., a switching module) to enable either an AC voltage output or a DC power output of the DC power storage device. Non-limiting examples of the power storage unit 62 or power storage device may include a dischargeable DC power storage device such as a battery, battery pack, battery unit, supercapacitor, fuel cell, hydrogen battery, or continuous or semi-continuous power conversion or supply device such as a solar cell, wind turbine, or the like. The power storage unit 62 or power storage device may also include a dischargeable or rechargeable power storage device.

In conjunction with the processor 81 and the memory 83, aspects of the battery power supply 60 may be adapted or configured to operatively control the activation of the set of power storage units 62 to provide a controllable power output of the battery power supply 60. In another non-limiting example, the battery power source 60 may include one or more power sensors configured to sense a dischargeable power output of the battery power source 60, e.g., to ensure that a desired power output is supplied.

The battery power source 60 may be configured or adapted to provide a controllable supply of power, including but not limited to a controllable supply of AC power, to the respective power bus 32, 34. As described, the battery power supply 60 may provide a "controllable" power supply such that the particular output characteristics of the power supply (including but not limited to voltage output range, current output range, frequency output range, phase, or combinations thereof) may be controlled, modified, adjusted, etc. to supply a predetermined, sensed, predicted or targeted power supply. In this sense, the controllable supply of power from the battery power supply 60 may be dynamically changed, adjusted, varied or modified even when power from the battery power supply 60 is supplied to the respective power bus 32, 34. However, aspects of the present disclosure may be included wherein the total available, peak, or continuous power supply, wattage, etc. of the power source 60 may be different from other power sources.

The power distribution system 30 may also include a power system controller module 73 having a processor 75 and a memory 77. In this sense, the power system controller module 73 may be communicatively connected (e.g., via communication lines 76) with each respective contactor 54, battery power source 60, generator 18,19, and the like. In response to control or command signals generated by the power system controller module 73, the contactor 54 may selectively enable or disable electrical connections between the various components. Also in response to control or command signals generated by power system controller module 73, battery power source 60 may selectively supply a predetermined or controllable supply of AC power, for example, by selectively discharging a set of power storage units 62 to respective power buses 32, 34.

Turning to fig. 3, a battery power supply 60 is shown in which a set of power storage units 62 are arranged in series to define a power output 64 connected to the power buses 32, 34. A power filter element 66 may also be included in the battery power supply 60 at the power output 64. In one non-limiting example, the power filter element 66 may be configured to smooth sudden increases or decreases in power or voltage output as desired. In another non-limiting example, the power filter element 66 may be configured to smooth switching noise or a periodic waveform, such as an AC waveform.

Each power storage unit 62 may include at least one DC power storage device 70, a first optional connection 71 (e.g., a switch) configured or adapted to enable a voltage output of the DC power storage device 70, and a second optional connection 72 configured or adapted to enable bypassing of the voltage output of the DC power storage device 70. Non-limiting examples of the power storage device 70 may include a dischargeable DC power storage device, such as a battery, a battery pack, a battery cell, a supercapacitor, a fuel cell, a hydrogen battery, or a continuous or semi-continuous power conversion or supply device, such as a solar cell, a wind turbine, or the like. In another non-limiting example, the power storage device 70 may include a dischargeable or rechargeable power storage device. In one example where the first connector 71 is in the open state and the second connector 72 is in the closed state, the DC power storage device 70 may be bypassed, e.g., without utilizing the power stored in the DC power storage device 70 at the power output 64. In another example where the first connection 71 is in a closed state and the second connection 72 is in an open state, the DC power storage device 70 may contribute its power supply at the power output 64. Further, each power storage unit 62 may also include a power sensor 74 configured to sense the dischargeable power output of the DC power storage device 70.

The battery power supply 60 may also include a controller module 79 having a processor 81 and a memory 83. For each power storage unit 62, the controller module 79 may be communicatively connected with the first and second selectable connectors 71, 72 and the power sensor 74. Although a "power" sensor 74 is described, non-limiting aspects of the power sensor may be adapted or configured to sense or measure power, power-related values or other values that may affect the operation of the power storage unit 62, including but not limited to the voltage of the DC power storage device 70, the temperature of the DC power storage device 70 or the power storage unit 62, and the like. Fig. 3 shows the controller module 79 connected with only one power storage unit (e.g., the first power storage unit 62A) for simplicity and ease of understanding. It is also contemplated that the controller module 79 may be communicatively coupled to each of the first and second selectable connections 71, 72 of each power storage unit 62 within the battery power source 60. Thus, the controller module 79 may be configured to selectively enable at least a subset of the first selectable connections 71 or a subset of the second selectable connections 72 as desired. Non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure may be included wherein one of the first selectable connector 71 or the second selectable connector 72 is in a closed state at a time. The controller module 79 may also include an AC waveform profile 86, such as by being stored in the memory 83.

The controller module 79 may be configured to selectively enable a preselected number of the first selectable connection 71 or the second selectable connection 72. It will be appreciated that the series connection between the power storage units 70 may provide an increase or decrease in the maximum suppliable voltage at the power output 64. In one non-limiting example, the controller module 79 may controllably enable the first selectable connection 71 of each of the first and second power storage units 62A, 62B and also disable the second selectable connection 72 of each of the first and second power storage units 62A, 62B. Accordingly, the controller module 79 may controllably enable the second selectable connection 72 for each remaining power storage unit 62. In this manner, the first and second power storage units 62A and 62B together may provide their total power to the power output 64 through their series connection while bypassing the voltage output of the remaining power storage units 62. It should be understood that the battery power source 60 may include any number of power storage units 62, where any subset or all of the units 62 may be controlled by the controller module 79.

Fig. 4 illustrates a non-limiting example voltage plot 80 showing an ideal, desired or target AC waveform output profile 82 for the battery power supply 60. As shown, the power storage unit 62 (illustrated by stepped voltage output 84) of the battery power supply 60, which is controllably or sequentially enabled and disabled, may collectively represent the total AC battery power supply output 86 on positive and negative voltage waveforms. In one example, the power filter element may generate, average, or "smooth" the AC battery power output 86. In this sense, the controllable AC battery power output 86 may simulate the AC waveform output profile 82. The controllable AC battery power output 86 may also be controllably generated by the processor 81 of the battery power supply 60, or in response to control signals or command signals from the power system controller module 73, as desired, to change or modify the frequency, phase, timing, voltage output, etc. of the battery power output 86. In one non-limiting example, the controllable AC battery power output 86 may be controlled or controllable to match, correspond to, or be consistent with an existing AC power supply (e.g., the first generator 18 or the second generator 19), or another power supply of the power buses 32, 34.

While the aspect of fig. 4 shows the battery power source 60 being selectively operated to produce or otherwise supply an AC battery power output 86, a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure may further be included wherein the controllable switching of the set of first selectable connections 71 and the set of second selectable connections 72 permits or enables the DC battery power output, wherein the summed series of DC power outputs of at least a subset of the power storage units 62 is supplied to the power output 64 of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 illustrates another AC battery power system 160 that may be used in the power distribution system 30 of fig. 1 and 2. As shown, AC battery power system 160 may include a set of battery power supplies 60 controllably and communicatively connected with power system controller module 73 and having a set of outputs connected with AC power buses 32,34 through contactors 54. In this sense, a set of single phase AC battery power outputs 86 (as shown in fig. 4) may be combined to provide a multi-phase AC battery power system 160 output to the AC power buses 32, 34. In the example shown, three single phase AC battery sources 60 may be controllably operated to supply three phase AC battery sources to power buses 32, 34. While a three-phase AC battery power system 160 is shown and described, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be included to group a set of AC battery power sources 60 into any number of phase outputs, including, but not limited to, two-phase, four-phase, six-phase outputs, and the like.

In another non-limiting example of the present disclosure, the battery power supply system 160 is shown as including a power sensor 176 that is adapted or configured to sense the power output of the at least one battery power supply 60, as described herein.

Aspects of the present disclosure may provide or enable a power distribution system 30 adapted to transfer power between selectively connected power buses 32,34 or selectively connected power sources (e.g., first generator 18 and second generator 19) by utilizing one or more battery power sources 60 or battery power system 160, as described herein.

During power generation operations, multiple power sources (e.g., multiple generators 18,19, secondary generators, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), etc.) provide redundant or alternative power sources that may supply power to one or more of the power buses 32, 34. In some cases, the multiple power sources are not synchronized in phase or frequency. Thus, to provide power transfer between different power sources, the frequency and phase (sometimes voltage) of the transmitting power source may be matched so that the power source may be temporarily connected in parallel with the power buses 32,34 (e.g., "seamless" or "uninterrupted" power transfer, where power is not interrupted to the power buses 32, 34). In this example, the different power sources may be coordinated prior to energizing the power buses 32, 34. Alternatively, to provide power transfer between different power sources, the first power source may be disconnected from the power buses 32,34 (e.g., with "interrupted" power transfer, where continuous power supply is "interrupted") before the second power source is connected to the power buses 32, 34. In the example of interrupting power transfer, no coordination between power supplies is required.

Referring back to fig. 4, aspects of the present disclosure may provide or enable an "uninterruptible" power transmission distribution system 30 for a power bus 32,34 (e.g., first power bus 32) from a first power source, such as first generator 18, to a second power source, such as second generator 19. "uninterruptible" power transfer may include supplying power to the first power bus 32 during a period of time when the first generator 18 is disconnected and before the second generator 19 is connected using the at least one battery power source 60, and wherein the controllable power supply of the at least one battery power source 60 may be controllably modified or altered while supplying power to vary between the power output characteristics (e.g., voltage output, current output, frequency output, phase, etc.) of the first generator 18 to the power output characteristics of the second generator 19. In this sense, the at least one battery power source 60 may "bridge" the power transfer between the first generator 18 and the second generator 19, wherein the first generator 18 and the second generator 19 need not be coordinated as described.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example graph 200 illustrating uninterrupted power transmission by the power distribution system 30 over a period of time. Example graph 200 illustrates a representative binary indication of which power supplies are supplying power to, for example, first power bus 32 during a period of uninterruptible power transfer. As shown, a first signal 202 represents the supply of power by the first generator 18, a second signal 204 represents the supply of power by the battery power source 60,160, and a third signal 206 represents the supply of power by the second generator 19.

At a first time 208, prior to or at the beginning of the uninterruptible power transfer operation, only the first generator 18 supplies or provides power to the first power bus 32 with a set of first power output characteristics (e.g., the first signal 202 "on"). At a first time 208, the second signal 204 indicates that the battery power source 60,160 is not supplying power, and the third signal 206 indicates that the second generator 19 is not supplying power (e.g., the second signal 204 and the third signal 206 are "off"). By way of non-limiting example only, the first time 208 may indicate a time at which the power system controller module 73 indicates a request to transfer the supply of power of the first power bus 32 from the first generator 18 to the second generator 19.

The second time 210 indicates that the battery power source 60,160 begins supplying power or providing power to the first power bus 32 (e.g., the second signal 204 is "on") such that both the first generator 18 and the battery power source 60,160 supply power or power together to the first power bus 32. In one non-limiting example, the battery power supply 60,160 may begin supplying power in response to a control or command signal received by the battery power supply 60 from the power system controller module 73 to enable generation of the battery power output 86, as described herein. Additionally, at a second time 210, the power system controller module 73 may selectively instruct the contactors 54 between the battery power supplies 60,160 and the first power bus 32 to selectively connect the components. In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, during the time period between the first time 208 and the second time 210, the power system controller module 73 may sense, measure, or otherwise communicate aspects of the first power output characteristic (i.e., the first generator 18 output or the power supply characteristic of the first power bus 32), such as voltage output, current output, frequency output, phase, etc., to the battery power supply 60, 160. Thus, when the battery power supply 60,160 is enabled, it may supply power consistent with, coordinated with, or otherwise matched to the first power output characteristic.

The third time 212 indicates that the first generator 18 is to cease supplying power or to disable supplying power to the first power bus 32 (e.g., the first signal 202 is "off"). In one example, this may occur by the contactor 54 disconnecting the output 40 of the first generator 18 from the first power bus 32 in response to a control or command signal provided or generated by the power system controller module 73. After the third time 212, the battery power source 60,160 is the only power source or power supply that supplies power to the first power bus 32.

The fourth time 214 indicates any time between the third time 212 and the fifth time 216, wherein the power system controller module 73 may sense, measure or otherwise communicate aspects of a set of second power output characteristics (e.g., voltage output, current output, frequency output, phase, etc.) output by the second generator 19 to the battery power source 60,160 when the battery power source 60,160 is supplying power only to the first power bus 32. During this time, the second generator 19 output 40 is not being supplied to the first power bus 32, but the battery power supply 60,160 begins to adjust or modify the controllable output supplied to the first power bus 32 to conform with, coordinate with, or otherwise match the second power output characteristic. During the time period between the fourth time 214 and the fifth time 216, the battery power source 60,160 may controllably adjust or modify at least one of the voltage output, the current output, the frequency output, the phase, or a combination thereof, such that the power supplied by the battery power source 60,160 to the first power bus 32 between the fourth time 214 and the fifth time 216 is converted between a power output synchronized with the first generator 18 and a power output synchronized with the second generator 19. By way of non-limiting example only, adjustment or modification of the controllable output of the battery power supply 60,160 may occur through a series of successive small adjustments or modifications, including but not limited to delaying, phase shifting, lengthening or shortening the frequency period, and the like. In one non-limiting example, controllably switching the controllable power supply may include first matching a phase of the second set of electrical characteristics and then matching a frequency of the second set of electrical characteristics. By a fifth time 216, the battery power source 60,160 has synchronized with the second power output characteristic of the second generator 19.

During this time period (between the fourth time 214 and the fifth time 216), the supply of the controllable power output characteristic to the first power bus 32 is not stopped, and does not interrupt the power demand of the first power bus 32. In other words, the power demand of the first power bus 32 or the electrical loads 20 therewith is not interrupted, powered off or operational jeopardized. Additionally, the battery power source 60,160 is sized to supply a sufficient amount of power to operate the set of electrical loads 20 connected to the first power bus for at least a period of time to transition the controllable power output characteristic from matching the first power output characteristic to matching the second power output characteristic.

The fifth time 216 indicates that the second generator 19 is to begin or start supplying power to or providing power to the first power bus 32 (e.g., the third signal 206 is "on") such that the battery power source 60,160 and the second generator 19 are both supplying power to or together with the first power bus 32. In one example, this may occur through a contactor 54 located between the first power bus 32 and the second power bus 34, the contactor 54 connecting the output 40 of the second generator 19 with the first power bus 32 in response to control or command signals provided or generated by the power system controller module 73. After the fifth time 216, the battery power source 60,160 and the second generator 19 are supplying power consistent with, coordinated with, or otherwise matched to the second power output characteristic.

Finally, a sixth time 218 indicates that the battery power source 60,160 stops supplying power to the first power bus 32 or is inhibited from supplying power to the first power bus 32 (e.g., the second signal 204 is "off"). In one example, this may occur by the contactor 54 disconnecting the battery power sources 60,160 from the first power bus 32 in response to a control or command signal provided or generated by the power system controller module 73. After the sixth time 218, the second generator 19 is the only power source or power supply that supplies power to the first power bus 32. At this point, the uninterrupted power transfer of power distribution system 30 has been completed.

In one non-limiting example, the total time period for the battery power source 60,160 to power the first power bus 32 (e.g., the time period between the second time 210 and the sixth time 218) may be less than one second.

Although aspects of the present disclosure describe examples of uninterrupted power transfer of the first power bus 32, non-limiting aspects of uninterrupted power transfer apply to any power bus 32,34, power distribution system 30, etc.

Fig. 7 further illustrates an exemplary diagram 300 illustrating adjusting or modifying the controllable output of the battery power supplies 60,160 between the fourth time 214 and the fifth time 216 of fig. 6. The graph 300 shows a first AC waveform 302 and a second AC waveform 304 of a sensed or measured second power output characteristic of the second generator 19, the first AC waveform 302 showing the actual controllable output of the battery power supply 60, 160. In one non-limiting example, the second AC waveform 304 may represent an actual sensed or measured second power output characteristic of the second generator 19 (e.g., as sensed by the power system controller module 73), or may represent a predicted or target power supply expected from the battery power source 60,160, as described herein.

As shown, a series of small timing delays 306,308 may be introduced over a plurality of sequential consecutive power or waveform cycles until the first AC waveform 304 matches, coordinates, or coincides with the second AC waveform 304 (e.g., shown as a coordinated wave 310). In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, each small timing delay 306,308 may be shorter than a power down or reset power down of a group of electrical loads 20 connected to the first power bus 32. In one non-limiting example, "power down" or resetting power down may include ceasing power for longer than a power down or power reset time period. In this sense, aspects of the present disclosure include "uninterrupted" or "uninterrupted" power transfer.

The depicted sequence is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit aspects of the present disclosure in any way, as it is understood that portions of the present disclosure may be performed in a different logical order, additional or intervening portions may be included, or portions of the methods described may be divided into multiple portions, or portions of the methods described may be omitted without departing from the described methods.

Fig. 8 illustrates a power distribution system 430 in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. Power distribution system 430 is similar to power distribution system 30; accordingly, unless otherwise noted, like components will be identified with like numerals incremented by 400, with the understanding that the description of like components of power distribution system 30 applies to power distribution system 430. One difference is that the battery power source is shown as an AC/DC battery power source 460 that may be selectively connected to either the AC power bus 32,34 or the DC power bus 433. As shown, one non-limiting example of a DC power bus 433 may include a 28 volt DC power bus, but any DC voltage power bus may be included in aspects of the disclosure.

Non-limiting aspects of the power distribution system 430 may be included in which the AC/DC battery power supply 460 may be controllably operated by at least one controller module 73,79 to supply AC power output to the AC power buses 32,34, perform uninterrupted power transfer between the AC power buses 32,34, or supply DC power output to the DC power bus 433.

Fig. 9 illustrates aspects of an AC/DC battery power supply 460 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Since the AC/DC battery power supply 460 may be similar to the battery power supply 60, some features are not shown for the sake of brevity. As shown, the power output 64 of the AC/DC battery power source 460 may include a third switch 490 or a set of third switches adapted or configured to select from a set of power outputs connected to the power buses 32,34, 433. For example, as shown, third switch 490 may receive a control signal or command from controller module 79 to electrically connect power output 64 with power input 492 of DC power bus 433, power input 494 of first AC power bus 32, or power input 496 of second AC power bus 34.

When the power output 64 of the AC/DC battery power supply 460 is connected with the power input 492 of the DC power bus 433, the battery power supply 460 may be selectively operated by the controller module 79 to provide a DC power output 64, such as 28 volts DC. When the power output 64 of the AC/DC battery power supply 460 is connected with the power input 494 of the first AC power bus 32 or the power input 496 of the second AC power bus 34, the battery power supply may be operated by the controller module 79 to provide the AC power output 64 or the uninterruptible power transfer power output 64, as described herein.

In yet another non-limiting example, the AC/DC battery power supply 460 may include an optional second pole 498 for the third switch, whereby the second pole 498 may operate to mirror the operation of the third switch 490. In this sense, each switchable output of the third switch 490 may include a switchable connection that matches or corresponds to a power return conductor of the AC/DC battery power supply 460. In one non-limiting example, the second pole 498 may operate to define a different electrical ground (e.g., ground 499 for the DC power bus 433), or neutral for the respective AC power buses 32, 34.

While one or more controller modules 73,79 are shown and described in non-limiting aspects of the disclosure, aspects of the disclosure may be included where a single controller module 73,79 or additional controller modules are included in the described control scheme. For example, controller module 73 may be operable to control various aspects of controller module 79, or may otherwise generate commands for the operation of controller module 79, and vice versa.

Fig. 10 shows another example of a battery power supply 560. Battery power supply 560 is similar to battery power supply 60; accordingly, unless otherwise noted, like components will be identified with like numerals incremented by 500, with the understanding that the description of similar components of the battery power supply 60 applies to the battery power supply 560. One difference is that the battery power supply 560 may include DC power storage devices 570 arranged in parallel in respective subsets of the power storage units 562. As shown, the power storage units 562 may be arranged adjacent to each other in series. Another difference is that the battery power supply 560 may include a second power output 564 that may provide a selectable or switchable voltage output, for example, to another power destination or electrical load (shown as the DC power bus 433). In this configuration, the battery power supply 560 is selectively or operatively operable to provide a dual power output, with the first power output 64 being powered from the power storage units 62A, 62B and 562, and the second power output 564 being powered from the power storage units 562. The parallel arrangement of DC power storage devices 570 of the power storage unit 562 may be selected, arranged, numbered, etc., such that it is sufficient to supply power from the power storage unit 562 to both power outputs 64,564 (e.g., reliable power supply, redundant power supply, longer output duration in power supply 64,564 or double power supply, etc.).

Additionally, although not shown, aspects of the present disclosure described and illustrated in fig. 9, and in particular the third switch 490 and the optional second pole 498 of the third switch, may be incorporated into aspects of fig. 10. For example, the power output 64,564 may include additional switchable elements to selectively enable power to be supplied from the power output 64,564 to any number of power outputs (e.g., illustrated as 492,494,496 in fig. 9). Example selectable power outputs 64,564 utilizing the third switch 490 or an adaptation thereof may include any permutation or combination of AC or DC buses 32,34,433 at one or both of the power outputs 64,564.

In addition to the aspects and configurations shown in the above figures, the present disclosure contemplates many other possible aspects and configurations. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to additional power transfer operations, including, but not limited to, transferring power (e.g., over a power bus) between aircraft ground-based power supplies (e.g., ground-based power cars or terminal power supplies) to an auxiliary power unit, or a recently started generator. Additionally, while aspects of the present disclosure have been described as allowing or enabling power transfer capability between variable frequency generators, the present disclosure may be used to allow or enable matching, coordinating, or otherwise uninterrupted power transfer capability between one or more variable frequency generators, one or more constant frequency generators, emergency power sources (e.g., ram air turbines), the like, or combinations thereof.

Aspects disclosed herein provide a method and apparatus for selectively operating a set of AC or DC power outputs from a set of DC power sources (e.g., batteries). Additionally, these aspects provide a method and apparatus for uninterrupted power transfer between multiple power sources by utilizing a controllable battery power source.

The technical effect is that the above aspects are able to power a set of AC or DC power buses by utilizing a DC power source. In addition, the aspects enable uninterruptible power transfer between a first power source having a first power supply characteristic and a second power source having a second power supply characteristic, wherein the first power supply characteristic and the second power supply characteristic are different, by bridging the first power supply characteristic and the second power supply characteristic over a plurality of cycles using a controllable power output from a battery power source.

One advantage that may be realized in the above aspects is that the above aspects allow or enable the use of different generators or power sources to operatively supply power to the electrical load. In this sense, the electrical load is not interrupted when the power supply is adjusted or switched, allowing seamless transfer of power while changing the power supply. Another advantage that may be realized in the above-described aspects is that the present disclosure enables a battery power source (e.g., a battery pack, etc.) to provide a sufficient temporary supply of power to fully support the power requirements of the power distribution system without the need for other sources. In this sense, the battery power source may provide supplemental power, emergency power, or uninterrupted transition power, as needed or desired by the power distribution system. Further, by operating the battery power source as a transition power source or a bridge power source during operation of aspects of the present disclosure, not enabling or disabling the power source requires any changes to the operation, operating characteristics, or control scheme (e.g., generator control unit) of the respective power source. Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the battery power source can be retrofitted with the power distribution system without requiring major modifications to achieve uninterrupted power transfer.

To the extent not described, the different features and structures of the various aspects may be used in combination with each other as desired. This one feature cannot be shown in all aspects and is not meant to be construed as it cannot, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, various features of different aspects may be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are explicitly described. The present disclosure encompasses combinations or permutations of features described herein.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure may also be embodied in any permutation of aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, the following technical solutions defined in the enumerated aspects:

1. an electric power supply comprising:

a set of power storage units arranged in series, each power storage unit having a respective Direct Current (DC) dischargeable power storage device, a first selectable connection configured to enable a voltage output of the respective power storage device, and a second selectable connection configured to enable a voltage output of the respective power storage device to be bypassed;

a controller module communicatively coupled to the set of first selectable connections and the set of second selectable connections and configured to selectively enable at least a subset of the first selectable connections or a subset of the second selectable connections; and

a voltage output of a set of power storage units configured to switchably connect with a set of power outputs, wherein the set of power outputs have different electrical characteristics.

2. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein at least one of the set of power outputs is a DC power output.

3. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein at least one of the set of power outputs is an Alternating Current (AC) power output.

4. The power supply of any disclosed aspect, wherein the controller module is configured to selectively enable at least a subset of the first selectable connections or a subset of the second selectable connections, and wherein the AC waveform simulated at the power output is selectively enabled.

5. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the group of power storage units includes a first group of power storage units arranged in series and connected to the voltage output, the first group of power storage units having a positive voltage DC dischargeable power storage device, and a second group of power storage units arranged in series and connected to the voltage output, the second group of power storage units having a negative voltage DC dischargeable power storage device.

6. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the set of power outputs includes at least one DC power output and at least one AC power output.

7. The power supply of any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the set of power outputs includes at least a first DC power output and a second DC power output, wherein electrical characteristics of the first DC power output are different from electrical characteristics of the second DC power output.

8. The power supply of any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the set of power outputs includes at least a first AC power output and a second AC power output, wherein electrical characteristics of the first AC power output are different from electrical characteristics of the second AC power output.

9. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein at least one power output of the set of power outputs is an AC power output, and an electrical characteristic of the AC power output is variable by selectively enabling at least a subset of the first selectable connections or a subset of the second selectable connections.

10. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, further comprising a third selectable connection communicatively connected with the controller module and operable to switchably connect the voltage output with the selected one of the set of power outputs.

11. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the set of power outputs comprises a set of power buses.

12. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the set of power buses is a set of power buses for an aircraft power distribution system.

13. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, further comprising a second power output configured to supply a second voltage output from the subset of power storage units.

14. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the voltage output and the second voltage output may be simultaneously supplied from the group of power storage units.

15. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein each power storage unit further includes a power sensor configured to sense a dischargeable power output of the corresponding power storage device.

16. The power supply according to any of the disclosed aspects, wherein the voltage output enables uninterrupted power transfer between power buses connectable at the set of power outputs.

17. The electric power supply of claim 1, wherein the group of electric power storage units comprises at least one of a battery, a battery pack, a battery unit, a super capacitor, a fuel cell, a hydrogen battery, a solar cell, or a wind turbine.

18. A method of supplying power, the method comprising:

selectively enabling, by a controller module, one of a voltage output connection or a bypass connection for each of a set of dischargeable Direct Current (DC) power storage units arranged in series such that a total output of the set of power storage units is provided to a set of switchably connected power outputs.

19. The method according to any of the disclosed aspects, further comprising sensing, by the power sensor, a dischargeable power value of at least a subset of the dischargeable power storage units.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.