Patent classifications
B64D35/023
Method and apparatus for controlling electrical machines operating with a turbine engine
A first electrical machine is operated according to a first mode and a second electrical machine is operated according to a second mode. A power split of operation of the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine is determined. The operation of the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine are controlled according to the power split. The power split is optimized to protect operating constraints of the components of the engine and the aircraft while delivering required thrust to the aircraft.
Method and apparatus for controlling electrical machines operating with a turbine engine
A first electrical machine is operated according to a first mode and a second electrical machine is operated according to a second mode. A power split of operation of the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine is determined. The operation of the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine are controlled according to the power split. The power split is optimized to protect operating constraints of the components of the engine and the aircraft while delivering required thrust to the aircraft.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEMS WITH POWER SHARING
An example aircraft includes a parallel propulsion unit, the parallel propulsion unit comprising: a propulsor configured to provide forward propulsion of the aircraft; a gas turbine engine configured to drive the propulsor; an electrical machine configured to generate, for output via one or more electrical busses, electrical energy using mechanical energy derived from the gas turbine engine; and a power sharing module configured to control a ratio of the mechanical energy used to drive the propulsor and used to generate electrical energy; and a plurality of series propulsion units, each series propulsion unit comprising a respective propulsor of a plurality of propulsors that are configured to provide vertical propulsion of the aircraft and a respective electrical machine of a plurality of electrical machines, each respective electrical machine configured to drive a respective propulsor of the plurality of propulsors using electrical energy received from one or more electrical busses.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEMS WITH POWER SHARING
An example aircraft includes a parallel propulsion unit, the parallel propulsion unit comprising: a propulsor configured to provide forward propulsion of the aircraft; a gas turbine engine configured to drive the propulsor; an electrical machine configured to generate, for output via one or more electrical busses, electrical energy using mechanical energy derived from the gas turbine engine; and a power sharing module configured to control a ratio of the mechanical energy used to drive the propulsor and used to generate electrical energy; and a plurality of series propulsion units, each series propulsion unit comprising a respective propulsor of a plurality of propulsors that are configured to provide vertical propulsion of the aircraft and a respective electrical machine of a plurality of electrical machines, each respective electrical machine configured to drive a respective propulsor of the plurality of propulsors using electrical energy received from one or more electrical busses.
Method and aircraft provided with at least one combustion engine and a drive system with at least two electric machines
An aircraft provided with a power plant provided with at least one combustion engine mechanically connected to a drive system, the drive system comprising two electric machines each connected to the combustion engine by a kinematic chain, the two electric machines being electrically connected to at least one electrical power source. The aircraft comprises a management system controlling at least a mechanical power or an engine torque delivered by each of the two electric machines as a function of a current operating mode, the management system being configured, during a superior operating mode, to control the two electric machines in order for the two electric machines to deliver different and non-zero mechanical powers or engine torques.
Method and aircraft provided with at least one combustion engine and a drive system with at least two electric machines
An aircraft provided with a power plant provided with at least one combustion engine mechanically connected to a drive system, the drive system comprising two electric machines each connected to the combustion engine by a kinematic chain, the two electric machines being electrically connected to at least one electrical power source. The aircraft comprises a management system controlling at least a mechanical power or an engine torque delivered by each of the two electric machines as a function of a current operating mode, the management system being configured, during a superior operating mode, to control the two electric machines in order for the two electric machines to deliver different and non-zero mechanical powers or engine torques.
THERMAL MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY FOR A HYBRID-ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEM
A hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine and an electrical assembly. The gas turbine engine includes a first rotational assembly. The first rotational assembly is rotatable about a rotational axis of the gas turbine engine. The first rotational assembly includes a first shaft, a bladed first compressor rotor, and a bladed first turbine rotor. The first shaft interconnects the bladed first compressor rotor and the bladed first turbine rotor. The electrical assembly includes a first motor-generator, a first motor control unit, a motor-generator (MG) cooling system, and a motor control unit (MCU) cooling system. The first motor-generator is coupled to the first shaft. The first motor control unit is electrically connected to the first motor-generator. The MG cooling system is connected in fluid communication with the first motor-generator. The MCU cooling system is connected in fluid communication with the first motor control unit. The MCU cooling system is independent of the MG cooling system.
Hybrid electric propulsion system with pitch change mechanism operation
A hybrid electric propulsion system for an aircraft is provided that includes a thermal engine, an electric motor, a gearbox, an electric power storage unit, a propulsion unit, and a controller. The thermal engine has a main oil pump configured to be driven by the thermal engine. The gearbox is in communication with the thermal and electric motors. The propulsion unit includes a propeller having propeller blades, and a pitch change mechanism. The controller is in communication with the thermal and electric motors, the propulsion unit, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions when executed cause the controller to control the electric motor to operate using electrical power from the electric power storage unit to cause the main oil pump to actuate and produce a flow of engine oil to the pitch change mechanism for a period of time sufficient to feather the propeller blades.
Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
An aircraft defines a vertical direction and includes a fuselage and a propulsion system comprising a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source. A wing extends from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing along a lengthwise direction of the wing. The wing comprises a diffusion assembly along the lengthwise direction of the wing and includes a first diffusion member positioned downstream of at least one of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. The first diffusion member defines a curved shape relative to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The longitudinal direction is generally perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the wing.
Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
An aircraft defines a vertical direction and includes a fuselage and a propulsion system comprising a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source. A wing extends from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing along a lengthwise direction of the wing. The wing comprises a diffusion assembly along the lengthwise direction of the wing and includes a first diffusion member positioned downstream of at least one of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. The first diffusion member defines a curved shape relative to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The longitudinal direction is generally perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the wing.