Real-time expert systems for advanced power control (a statusupdate) [aerospace power system testbed]

The most recent developments in the Boeing Aerospace Autonomous Power System (APS) testbed are presented. The APS testbed is a 28-VDC system with 3-kW capability, assembled for use in developing improved control, techniques for aerospace electrical power systems. The main emphasis is on the development of a sophisticated programming environment to control concurrent execution of multiple autonomous algorithms coupled with a continuous input/output data flow. The integration of high-level control algorithms used for battery charge control into a real-time execution environment is discussed. This includes methods that allow several functions to respond to real-time input, affect/maintain expert system (shared) memory, and control the electrical power system configuration. Sophisticated schemes for scheduling these expert system control functions are required to allow real-time multitasking     

Integrated electro-hydraulic system modeling and analysis

The technical approach for the development of the computer model of an integrated electro-hydraulic system is presented. As an example, the development of the computer model of the Space Shuttle Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (EAPU) is discussed. The integrated model consists of power source, electric power distribution and control (EPD&C), and mechanical and hydraulic loads. The modeling and analysis results, model interface issues, EPD&C interactions with the power sources, and EPD&C interaction with the electro-hydraulic load are discussed . The selected computer tool facilitates the development of "submodel" corresponding to the subsystem in the integrated system. This modeling approach and the models developed for EAPU can be generalized and adapted for the detailed modeling, simulation, and analysis of other aerospace and commercial electro-mechanical systems