Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) is developing energy-efficient adaptive starter-generator systems for autonomous mobile objects such as aircraft.
According to Regina Sarakhanova, an assistant at the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, a special feature of the study is the use of a direct frequency converter with natural switching (NPV with EC) in the power supply system, which generates a three-phase output voltage in the mode of generating electrical energy. Such a converter can replace two-link converters consisting of a rectifier, a direct current link and a voltage inverter. In comparison, the NPC with the EC is more compact and energy efficient.
"We are simplifying the power supply system by installing a direct frequency converter with natural switching on thyristors. It can operate in two modes: electric starter start of the primary engine of the aircraft (this is the engine that is located on turbines and starts from the internal network) and electricity generation (energy from the primary engine is converted into the required alternating voltage). Adaptability consists in performing several functions in one unit," said Regina Sarakhanova.
According to her, at the first stage of development, an analysis of electromagnetic processes was carried out in the NPCH with the EC and in the parallel voltage inverter. An analytical calculation was carried out and the main characteristics of the system were obtained. Next, a simulation modelling of the system was carried out based on the results obtained. The energy characteristics of the system are determined. The simulation modeling confirmed the operability of the circuit.
The converter can be used in aviation technology in the construction of light-engine aircraft, in any ground-based autonomous facilities: buses, trolleybuses, etc.
Currently, scientists are conducting mathematical experiments based on a proven model, in particular, load dumping (thus checking the dynamics), and other energy characteristics are being investigated to reduce the weight and size of the system.
The authors of the development plan to make a mock-up of the converter and conduct an experiment on a real facility with lower capacities. At the moment, the power of the installation is 100 kW.
Previously, NSTU-NETI scientists had already obtained patents for the inventions "Adaptive starter-generator system for aircraft" and "Adaptive starter-generator system".