Toward Autonomous Stable Energy Management of Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion Systems, Phase I

The proposed framework is potentially a game changer for the digital control of energy storage and, more broadly, energy system management in aircraft electric power systems. The objective is to introduce a multi-layered interactive approach to nonlinear power-electronically-switched digital control of AC-DC and DC-AC converters so the desired power is provided in transiently stable ways in response to varying aircraft control requirements. The approach can be further extended to controlling electric power systems for single vehicle and future multi-vehicle manned deep-space missions. Presently much is known about the design and power-electronic control of individual energy system components (loads, batteries, flywheels), but there is very little systems thinking about integrating these different modules to operate in adaptive condition-driven ways to ensure fault tolerance, stability and efficiency. This project will demonstrate a possible approach in Phase I using simulations, while Phase II will use test beds agreed on with the NASA Glenn team. These are primarily for terrestrial "smart" grids, micro-grids in particular, and for ultimate new ways of operating electric utility systems in general. The proposed DYMONDS framework provides a paradigm change for future grids since these too require a systematic integration of diverse energy storage and intermittent resources. Notably, in parts of the Texas power grid doubly-fed-induction-generator-controlled wind power plants connected via a weak power-electronically-controlled transmission line has experienced oscillations; adequate digital control is needed to prevent this from happening. Our basic premise is that pursuing similar operating paradigms for complex NASA energy systems may go a long way toward gaining understanding and confidence, and ultimately changing today's operating paradigm. This way the proposed project has the potential for major non-NASA economic regional impact as well. This is one of the reasons for our excitement to pursue this venture with NASA Glenn. More »