Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved architecture for an aircraft. The aircraft has a first engine, a first gearbox associated with the first engine, a first starter/generator associated with the gearbox, and a first motor drive connected to the first starter/generator for providing the starter/generator with electric power to start the first engine and to receive electric power from the starter/generator after the engine has been started to operate electrically driven systems onboard the aircraft. The aircraft preferably further has at least one other engine which has a gearbox and a starter/generator associated with it and at least a second motor drive connected to the starter/generator. The electrically driven systems operated by the motor drive(s) include an environmental control system, a wing anti-icing system, an aircraft control system, and the aircraft fuel system. The aircraft also includes an auxiliary power unit for supplying electrical power to at least the first motor drive for initiating operation of the first engine.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved architecture for an aircraft. The aircraft has a first engine, a first gearbox associated with the first engine, a first starter/generator associated with the gearbox, and a first motor drive connected to the first starter/generator for providing the starter/generator with electric power to start the first engine and to receive electric power from the starter/generator after the engine has been started to operate electrically driven systems onboard the aircraft. The aircraft preferably further has at least one other engine which has a gearbox and a starter/generator associated with it and at least a second motor drive connected to the starter/generator. The electrically driven systems operated by the motor drive(s) include an environmental control system, a wing anti-icing system, an aircraft control system, and the aircraft fuel system. The aircraft also includes an auxiliary power unit for supplying electrical power to at least the first motor drive for initiating operation of the first engine.