GPU FOR THE PROVISION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY FOR AIRCRAFT

Abstract

A ground power unit provides electrical energy for aircraft and a method maintains and operates the ground power unit. The ground power unit includes a base frame, a cable system formed in the base frame, at least one rectifier module for converting an input alternating voltage applied to a rectifier module input side into an intermediate direct voltage output at a rectifier module output side, wherein the rectifier module output side is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor and at least one inverter module for converting the intermediate direct voltage applied to an inverter module input side into an output alternating current output at an inverter module output side, wherein the inverter module input side is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor. The rectifier module and the inverter module are each realized as structurally-independent units, which can be replaced individually and independently of the base frame.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A ground power unit (1) for providing electrical energy for aircraft, the ground power unit (1) comprising: a base frame (3); a cable system (4), which is formed in the base frame (3); at least one rectifier module (8) for converting an input alternating voltage (21) applied to a rectifier module input side (20) into an intermediate direct voltage (23) output at a rectifier module output side (22), wherein the rectifier module output side (22) is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor (24); at least one inverter module (9) for converting the intermediate direct voltage (23) applied to an inverter module input side (25) into an output alternating current (27) which is output at an inverter module output side (26), wherein the inverter module input side (25) is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor (24); wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) are each realized as units formed to be structurally independent, which can be replaced individually and independently of the base frame (3), and wherein at least two rectifier modules (8) are formed, which are electrically connected in parallel with one another, and/or that at least two inverter modules (9) are formed, which are electrically connected in parallel with one another, and wherein a load distribution system (35) is formed, which is configured such that a load distribution between the rectifier modules (8) and/or between the inverter modules (9) can be carried out in an automated manner.

19. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) have the same structural design, in particular wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) are coupled to the cable system (4) in a mirrored manner as viewed in the direction of the electric flow.

20. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) each have at least one plug (28, 29), each of which is coupled to a mating plug (30, 32) connected to the cable system (4) in an electrically conductive manner.

21. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 20, wherein the plug (28, 29) is arranged on the rectifier module (8) and/or on the inverter module (9), and the mating plug (30, 32) is arranged in the region of a receiving recess (31, 33) on the base frame (3), such that in an operating position (10, 11) of the rectifier module (8) and/or of the inverter module (9), an electrically conductive connection between the plug (28, 29) and the mating plug (30, 32) is established.

22. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) have a quick-release connector (12, 13), which is designed such that it engages with a quick-release connector receiving element (14, 15) in the base frame (3) and/or locks automatically upon transfer into the operating position (10, 11).

23. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) are positioned at a height of 0.5 m to 2.0 m, particularly preferably at a height of 0.6-1.8 m, with respect to a ground contact area (7) of the base frame (3).

24. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) are each installed on just one circuit board (5).

25. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein at least one of multiple rectifier modules (8) connected in parallel with one another and/or at least one of multiple inverter modules (9) connected in parallel with one another can be disconnected in the part-load operational range.

26. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the rectifier module (8) and/or the inverter module (9) have a data interface, which is configured for the exchange of information with each other and/or with a main computer (34).

27. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 26, wherein the data interface is a digital data interface, and wherein both the rectifier module (8) and the inverter module (9) are each assigned an address or can be assigned an address, wherein the at least one rectifier module (8) and the at least one inverter module (9) preferably receive the address via the plug (28, 29).

28. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 18, wherein the intermediate circuit conductor (24) is coupled to a parallel input (18), by means of which additional direct current power sources (19), such as batteries or accumulators, can be integrated into the intermediate circuit conductor (24).

29. The ground power unit (1) according to claim 21, wherein a discharging device (38, 39) is formed and arranged in the base frame (3) and/or in the rectifier module (8) and/or in the inverter module (9) such that, upon transfer from the operating position (10, 11) into a changing position (16, 17), the electrical energy stored in the rectifier module (8) and/or in the inverter module (9) is automatically discharged.

30. A method for maintaining and operating a ground power unit (1) for providing electrical energy for aircraft, the ground power unit (1) comprising: a base frame (3); a cable system (4), which is formed in the base frame (3); at least one rectifier module (8) for converting an input alternating voltage (21) applied to a rectifier module input side (20) into an intermediate direct voltage (23) output at a rectifier module output side (22), wherein the rectifier module output side (22) is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor (24); at least one inverter module (9) for converting the intermediate direct voltage (23) applied to an inverter module input side (25) into an output alternating current (27) which is output at an inverter module output side (26), wherein the inverter module input side (25) is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor (24); wherein the method comprises the following method steps: replacing of the rectifier module (8) and/or of the inverter module (9), wherein they are each realized as units formed to be structurally independent, which are replaced individually and independently of the base frame (3), and wherein the rectifier module (8) and/or the inverter module (9) is coupled to a main computer (34), wherein the main computer (34) disconnects a defective rectifier module (8) and/or inverter module (9) and adjusts the load distribution to the remaining rectifier modules (8) and/or inverter modules (9).

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein at least one of multiple rectifier modules (8) connected in parallel with one another and/or at least one of multiple inverter modules (9) connected in parallel with one another is disconnected in the part-load operational range.

Description

[0040] These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

[0041] FIG. 1 an isometric view of an embodiment of the ground power unit with an opened protective cover;

[0042] FIG. 2 an isometric view of two rectifier modules and/or inverter modules;

[0043] FIG. 3 a first block diagram of a possible arrangement of one rectifier module and one inverter module each in a ground power unit;

[0044] FIG. 4 a second block diagram of a further possible arrangement of two rectifier modules and three inverter modules in a ground power unit;

[0045] FIG. 5 a schematic representation of a rectifier module and an inverter module.

[0046] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0047] Subsequently, the ground power unit 1 and/or its components and functions is described with the aid of a combination of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a possible embodiment of the ground power unit 1 with an opened protective cover 2.

[0049] The ground power unit 1 comprises a base frame 3 and a cable system 4 formed in the base frame 3. In this regard, this cable system 4 may comprise electrical connections in the form of circuit boards 5 and/or cable harnesses 6. It should be noted that the cable system 4, the circuit boards 5, and the cable harnesses 6 are shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, five rectifier modules 8 and five inverter modules 9 each are arranged at a working height ergonomic for the user, which height is advantageously situated at a height of 0.5 m to 2.0 m, particularly preferably at a height of 0.6-1.8 m, with respect to a ground contact area 7. As can be seen in FIG. 1, it may be provided that multiple of the rectifier modules 8 are arranged next to one another in the horizontal direction, and/or that multiple of the inverter modules 9 are arranged next to one another in the horizontal direction. Moreover, it may also be provided that the rectifier modules 8 and the inverter modules 9 are arranged above one another in the vertical direction.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment variant that is not shown, it may of course also be provided that multiple rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 are arranged next to one another in one plane.

[0052] This facilitates replacing the modules 8, 9 and additionally improves the air conveyance to the cooling system.

[0053] In this regard, the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 are each realized as units formed to be structurally independent. These units can be replaced individually and independently of one another of the base frame 3. The rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 are shown in FIG. 1 in an operating position 10, 11, wherein the location of the operating position 10, 11 can be seen in detail particularly in FIG. 5. Moreover, it may be provided that the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 have the same structural design and are coupled to the cable system 4, which is not shown, in a mirrored manner as viewed in the direction of the electric flow.

[0054] Moreover, FIG. 1 shows parts of a quick-release connector 12, 13, which are arranged on the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of two rectifier modules 8 and/or inverter modules 9, arranged in a section of the base frame 3. Here, equal reference numbers and/or component designations are used for equal parts as in FIG. 1 preceding it. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, it is therefore pointed to/reference is made thus to the detailed description in FIG. 1 preceding it.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a rectifier module 8 is arranged next to an inverter module 9, however, any other arrangement variant is also possible. For example, it may be provided that multiple of the rectifier modules 8 are arranged next to one another in the horizontal direction, and/or that multiple of the inverter modules 9 are arranged next to one another in the horizontal direction. Moreover, it may also be provided that the rectifier modules 8 and the inverter modules 9 are arranged above one another in the vertical direction.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment variant that is not shown, it may of course also be provided that multiple rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 are arranged next to one another in one plane.

[0058] Advantageously, the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 are installed on circuit boards 5 made from semiconductors, wherein the semiconductors comprise silicon carbide.

[0059] In the section of the base frame 3 shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to provide up to five rectifier modules 8 and/or inverter modules 9.

[0060] Moreover, the quick-release connector 12, 13 may be realized on the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9, which quick-release connector 12, 13 is configured such that it engages with the base frame 3 and/or locks automatically upon transfer into the operating position 10, 11.

[0061] The rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 may each be installed on just one circuit board 5.

[0062] FIGS. 3 and 4 each show a block diagram of different conceivable arrangements of rectifier modules 8 and inverter module 9 in a ground power unit 1.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows, in particular, a first block diagram of a possible arrangement of one rectifier module 8 and one inverter module 9 each in a ground power unit 1.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows that an input alternating voltage 21 is applied to the rectifier module input side 20 of the rectifier module 8. In the rectifier module 8, the input alternating voltage 21 is converted into an intermediate direct voltage 23. A rectifier module output side 22 of the rectifier module 8 is coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor 24, to which the intermediate direct voltage 23 is supplied.

[0065] The inverter module 9 serves to convert the intermediate direct voltage 23 into an output alternating voltage 27. Here, the intermediate direct voltage 23 is applied to the inverter module input side 25. The output alternating voltage 27 exits the inverter modules 9 at the inverter module output side 26.

[0066] The intermediate circuit conductor 24 can be coupled to a parallel input 18 as needed, by means of which additional direct current power sources 19, such as batteries or accumulators, can be integrated into the intermediate circuit conductor 24.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a second block diagram of a further possible arrangement of two rectifier modules 8 and three inverter modules 9 in a ground power unit 1. However, it is of course also possible that a different number of rectifier modules 8 and/or inverter modules 9 is provided. In particular, it may be provided that the number of rectifier modules 8 and the number of inverter modules 9 in the ground power unit 1 is the same.

[0068] FIG. 4 shows that the input alternating voltage 21 is applied to the rectifier module input sides 20 of the two rectifier modules 8. In the rectifier modules 8, the input alternating voltage 21 is converted into the intermediate direct voltage 23. The two rectifier module output sides 22 of the rectifier modules 8 are coupled to the intermediate circuit conductor 24, to which the intermediate direct voltage 23 is supplied.

[0069] The three inverter modules 9 shown serve to convert the intermediate direct voltage 23 into the output alternating voltage 27. Here, the intermediate direct voltage 23 is applied to the inverter module input sides 25. The output alternating voltage 27 exits the inverter modules 9 at the inverter module output sides 26.

[0070] As already explained in the context of FIG. 3, the intermediate circuit conductor 24 can be coupled to a parallel input 18 as needed, by means of which additional direct current power sources 19, such as batteries or accumulators, can be integrated into the intermediate circuit conductor 24.

[0071] In the present exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the two rectifier modules 8 shown are electrically connected in parallel with one another. The same applies to the three inverter modules 9, which may also be electrically connected in parallel with one another.

[0072] In FIG. 4, it can moreover be seen that a load distribution system 35 may be configured such that a load distribution between the rectifier module 8 and/or between the inverter modules 9 may take place in an automated manner. The load distribution between the rectifier modules 8 and/or between the inverter modules 9 may, in this regard, take place by means of a main computer 34.

[0073] In the part-load operational range, individual rectifier modules 8 and/or inverter modules 9 can be disconnected. This may preferably take place by means of the main computer 34.

[0074] It may be useful if the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 are coupled to the main computer 34. This main computer 34 may recognize one or also multiple defective rectifier modules 8 or one or multiple defective inverter modules 9 and can, in further consequence, automatically disconnect them. The load distribution may be adjusted to the remaining rectifier modules 8 and/or inverter modules 9 by the load distribution system 35 after the disconnection.

[0075] The function of automatic load distribution when operating in the part-load operational range or in the case of defective rectifier modules 8 or defective inverter modules 9 is shown in FIG. 4 by a dashed line.

[0076] The rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 each have data interfaces, which are configured for an exchange of information with each other as well as with the main computer 34.

[0077] The data interfaces are digital data interfaces. In this regard, each rectifier module 8 and inverter module 9 is assigned an address.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a rectifier module 8 and an inverter module 9. The left part of the diagram shows a strongly simplified representation of the rectifier module 8 in a first changing position 16. This rectifier module 8 may have a first plug 28 on its rectifier module output side 22. Moreover, the rectifier module 8 may be equipped with a first quick-release connector 12 on its bottom side. This first quick-release connector 12, however, may also be arranged on other and/or multiple locations on the rectifier module 8.

[0079] In the base frame 3, a first mating plug 30 connected to the cable system 4 in an electrically conductive manner as well as a first quick-release connector receiving element 14 may be formed. In this regard, the first mating plug 30 is arranged, for example, in the region of a first receiving recess 31 on the base frame 3. When moving the rectifier module 8 from the first changing position 16 into the first operating position 10, an automatic engagement of the first quick-release connector 12 with the first quick-release connector receiving element 14 may occur. In this diagram shown, the engagement is effected by means of a first spring element 36 in the first quick-release connector 12, however, other mechanisms are also conceivable. For example, the locking may be effected by turning a lever, wherein this turning may preferably occur without the use of tools.

[0080] By transferring the rectifier module 8 into the first operating position 10, moreover, the first plug 28 and the first mating plug 30 can be automatically connected in an electrically conductive manner.

[0081] The first mating plug 30 may be coupled to an intermediate circuit conductor 24 by means of a cable system 4 in the form of a circuit board 5 or also in the form of a cable harness 6. This intermediate circuit conductor 24 may, in turn, be connected to a second mating plug 32, wherein said second mating plug 32 may be positioned in a second receiving recess 33.

[0082] The further design is preferably essentially structurally identical to the rectifier module 8 described above. When producing the second operating position 11, the second mating plug 32 may be connected to a second plug 29 in an electrically conductive manner by the inverter module 9 being moved out of a second changing position 17 into said second operating position 11. This second plug 29 may, in this regard, be provided at the inverter module input side 25 of the inverter module 9. Identically to the rectifier module 8, the inverter module 9 has a second quick-release connector 13 due to its identical design. Furthermore, a second quick-release connector receiving element 15 is provided on the base frame 3. When moving the rectifier module 8 from the second changing position 17 into the second operating position 11, an automatic engagement of the second quick-release connector 13 with the second quick-release connector receiving element 15 may occur. In this diagram shown, the engagement is effected by means of a second spring element 37 in the second quick-release connector 13, however, other mechanisms are conceivable here, as well. By transferring the rectifier module 8 into the second operating position 11, moreover, the second plug 29 and the second mating plug 32 can be automatically connected in an electrically conductive manner.

[0083] Moreover, it is conceivable that both the rectifier module 8 and the inverter module 9 are equipped with a first and a second discharging device 38, 39 via the first and/or second mating plug 30, 32. If the rectifier module 8 or inverter module 9 are transferred from the operating position 10, 11 into the changing position 16, 17, the stored electrical energy is automatically discharged.

[0084] The rectifier modules 8 may be equipped with an active power factor correction filter. In particular, the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 serve to convert a three-phase input alternating voltage 21 into a three-phase output alternating voltage 27. Preferably a three-phase input alternating voltage 21 of 3×400 V/50 Hz, 3×480 V/60 Hz, 960 V/50 Hz, or 690 V/50 Hz is DC converted into a three-phase output alternating voltage 27 of 3×200 V/400 Hz or into an output direct voltage of 28 V DC or 270 V DC.

[0085] FIG. 5 moreover also shows that the intermediate circuit conductor 24 may be coupled to a parallel input 18, by means of which additional direct current power sources 19, such as batteries and accumulators, can be integrated.

[0086] Additionally, it may be useful if the rectifier modules 8 and inverter modules 9 have data interfaces, which are configured for the exchange of information with each other and/or with a main computer 34. The data interfaces are, in particular, are digital data interfaces.

[0087] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the technical teaching provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0088] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. Nevertheless, the description and drawings are to be used for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0089] All indications regarding ranges of values in the present description are to be understood such that these also comprise random and all partial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

[0090] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numbers 1 Ground power unit 2 Protective cover 3 Base frame 4 Cable system 5 Circuit board 6 Cable harness 7 Ground contact area 8 Rectifier module 9 Inverter module 10 First operating position 11 Second operating position 12 First quick-release connector 13 Second quick-release connector 14 First quick-release connector receiving element 15 Second quick-release connector receiving element 16 First changing position 17 Second changing position 18 Parallel input 19 Direct current power source 20 Rectifier module input side 21 Input alternating voltage 22 Rectifier module output side 23 Intermediate direct voltage 24 Intermediate circuit conductor 25 Inverter module input side 26 Inverter module output side 27 Output alternating voltage 28 First plug 29 Second plug 30 First mating plug 31 First receiving recess 32 Second mating plug 33 Second receiving recess 34 Main computer 35 Load distribution system 36 First spring element 37 Second spring element 38 First discharging device 39 Second discharging device