Systems and methods for modular battery replacement in aircraft
First Claim
1. A modular battery system for use within an aircraft, the system comprising:
- (a) a battery cell assembly module comprising at least one battery cell;
(b) a power supply control module comprising circuitry for charging the at least one battery cell and circuitry for allowing the discharge of the at least one battery cell to power the avionics of the aircraft; and
(c) a connector assembly comprising a plurality of electrical conductors and connectors between the battery cell assembly module, the power supply control module, and the aircraft avionics.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular aircraft emergency backup battery system and methods for operating the system as well as removing and replacing the modules within the system are described. The system includes a module cabinet enclosure that positions and interconnects the modules. A wiring harness provides the necessary electrical connections to and from the aircraft avionics to recharge the batteries within the system to allow the system to provide a source of power when battery backup is required. The cabinet enclosure provides positioned connections for one or more battery cell modules and one or more power control circuitry modules. A hinged front panel allows access to the battery cell modules and provides a switch and an indicator for operation of a test circuit. The modular enclosure is positioned in place of existing aircraft emergency battery backup systems and connects to the aircraft within the same space.
-
Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A modular battery system for use within an aircraft, the system comprising:
-
(a) a battery cell assembly module comprising at least one battery cell; (b) a power supply control module comprising circuitry for charging the at least one battery cell and circuitry for allowing the discharge of the at least one battery cell to power the avionics of the aircraft; and (c) a connector assembly comprising a plurality of electrical conductors and connectors between the battery cell assembly module, the power supply control module, and the aircraft avionics. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
22. A method for monitoring the condition of a modular avionics battery system in an aircraft and for removing and replacing individual modules within the system, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing a battery cell assembly module comprising at least one battery cell, a battery voltage monitoring circuit and a battery cell assembly test circuit; (b) providing a power supply control module comprising battery cell charging circuitry, battery discharge circuitry, and a power supply control test circuit; (c) connecting the battery cell assembly module through the power supply control module to the avionics system of the aircraft and the power buss of the aircraft; (d) monitoring the charge condition of the at least one battery cell in the battery cell assembly module; (e) periodically activating the battery cell assembly test circuit to determine the operational functionality of the battery cell assembly module; (f) periodically activating the power supply control test circuit to determine the operational functionality of the power supply control module; (g) on failure of the battery cell assembly module, removing and replacing the battery cell assembly module; and (h) on failure of the power supply control module, removing and replacing the power supply control module; wherein the removal and replacement of either the battery cell assembly module or the power supply control module may occur without the necessity of removing any other component of the avionics battery system. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
-
Specification