Importance

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Abstract

A bi-directional power conversion system interconnects hydraulic and electrical power systems on-board a vehicle such as an air-craft, whereby the power conversion system can selectively convert available electrical power to needed hydraulic power or vice versa. The power conversion system includes a hydraulic machine (15) connected to the hydraulic system (10) of the vehicle, an electrical machine (20) connected to the electrical system (3) of the vehicle through a power converter and control unit (22), a rotational drive shaft (14) mechanically interconnecting the hydraulic machine (15) and the electrical machine (20), and a priority and safety control unit (26) that controls the operation of the system. In a first operating mode, for example in the event of a failure of a primary electrical generator (2), the hydraulic machine (15) operates as a hydraulic motor driven by available hydraulic power from the hydraulic system (10) to drive the electrical machine (20) which operates as an electrical generator to provide electrical power into the electrical system (3). In a second operating mode, for example in the event of a failure of a primary hydraulic pump (9), the electrical machine (20) operates as an electric motor driven by electric power from the electrical system (3) to drive the hydraulic machine (15) operating as a hydraulic pump to provide hydraulic power into the hydraulic system (10). A hydraulic valve arrangement (18) and an electrical switch arrangement (21), as well as pressure and speed regulators are controlled by the control unit (26), and the system operation is monitored by sensors connected to the control unit (26), to activate the appropriate operating mode.

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First Claim