Life-optimal power management methods for battery networks system

• US 8,010,250 B2
• Filed: 06/05/2007
• Issued: 08/30/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Vian, John L., Mansouri, Ali R., Borumand, Mori M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hellner; Mark
• Assistant Examiner(s): Algahaim; Helal A
• Application Number:
  US11/758,606
• Publication Number:
  US 20080306637A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,547 Days
• Field of Search: 700/286, 700/291, 700/292, 700/295, 700/297, 701/1, 701/3, 701/36
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 2221/00 Electric power distribution systems onboard aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/14 Balancing the load in a network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/44 for aircrafts
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 4/00 Circuit arrangements for mains or distribution networks not specified as ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/005 Detection of state of health [SOH]

Abstract

A system and methods for life optimal power management of a distributed or centralized battery network system for use in aircraft functions and subsystems are disclosed. The method determines power priority of the subsystems, and selectively distributes power from the battery network system to the subsystems based on the power priority. Concurrently with distributing power, the method manages the energy in the battery network system. To determine whether the battery power is sufficient for aircraft functions, the method also computes and indicates the actual available energy left in the battery network systems. With this approach, the system and methods can provide a persistent power supply in the event an unexpected battery failure occurs, thereby enabling the aircraft to safely maintain flight operability despite a battery failure.

Claims

1. A method for power management for an aircraft having a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of electrical energy storage devices, the method comprising:

determining a power priority for each of the subsystems based on a specific function of each of the subsystems, a sequence of operation of the subsystems, and a forecasted power requirement for operating each of the subsystems;

allocating the electrical energy storage devices based on health of each of the electrical energy storage devices and a capability to supply power to the subsystems, wherein the health of each of the electrical energy storage devices depends on a maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices relative to an initial specification of the corresponding electrical energy storage device, and wherein the health of each of the electrical energy storage devices is determined by comparing the maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices to data sets corresponding to various levels of health;

providing power from the electrical energy storage devices to the subsystems according to the allocation and to the power priority for each of the subsystems; and

controlling the health of the electrical energy storage devices, concurrently with selectively distributing power, based on a plurality of operating status parameters of the electrical energy storage devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling step further comprises:

monitoring the operating status parameters of the electrical energy storage devices;

charging/discharging selectively the electrical energy storage devices based on the operating status parameters;

computing available energy in each of the electrical energy storage devices based on the operating status parameters to obtain a computed available energy; and

indicating the computed available energy.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the operating status parameters comprise:

a charging/discharging rate for each of the electrical energy storage devices;

a relative discharging rate for each of the electrical energy storage devices; and

a remaining life for each of the electrical energy storage devices.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical energy storage devices are arranged in a distributed network architecture.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical energy storage devices are arranged in a centrally located network architecture.

6. A method for power management for an aircraft having a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of electrical energy storage devices, the method comprising:

determining a power priority for each of the subsystems based on a specific function of each of the subsystems, a sequence of operation of the subsystems, and a forecasted power requirement for operating each of the subsystems;

distributing power selectively from the electrical energy storage devices to the subsystems based on the power priority for each of the subsystems;

monitoring operating status parameters of the electrical energy storage devices;

selectively charging or discharging each of the electrical energy storage devices according to the operating status parameters;

determining an available energy quantity of each of the electrical energy storage devices according to the operating status parameters;

determining the maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices;

determining health of each of the electrical energy storage devices by comparing the maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices to data sets corresponding to various levels of health, wherein the health of each of the electrical energy storage devices depends on a maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices relative to an initial specification of the corresponding electrical energy storage device; and

allocating the electrical energy storage devices according to their respective available energy quantity and maximum actual capacity to supply power to the subsystems.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the operating status parameters comprise:

a charging/discharging rate for each of the electrical energy storage devices;

a relative discharging rate for each of the electrical energy storage devices; and

a remaining life for each of the electrical energy storage devices.

8. A method for power management for an aircraft having a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of electrical energy storage devices, the method comprising:

determining a power priority for each of the subsystems, wherein the power priority is based on

a specific function of each of the subsystems,

a sequence of operation of the subsystems, and

a forecasted power requirement for operating each of the subsystems;

distributing power selectively from the electrical energy storage devices to the subsystems based on the power priority for each of the subsystems; and

controlling health of the electrical energy storage devices, concurrently with selectively distributing power, based on a plurality of operating status parameters of the electrical energy storage devices, wherein the health of each of the electrical energy storage devices depends on a maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices relative to an initial specification of the corresponding electrical energy storage device, wherein the health of each of the electrical energy storage devices is determined by comparing the maximum actual capacity of each of the electrical energy storage devices to data sets corresponding to various levels of health and wherein the operating status parameters comprise;

a charging/discharging rate for each of the electrical energy storage devices;

a relative discharging rate for each of the electrical energy storage devices;

and

a remaining life for each of the electrical energy storage devices.