Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed one form of which is an aircraft that includes a pod capable of housing a work providing device. The pod can also include a thermal conditioning system and a power generation device that can be powered from the work providing device. The pod can provide thermal conditioning services and power services to a payload aboard the aircraft. In one non-limiting form the payload is a directed energy member that can be cooled using the thermal conditioning system and powered using the power generation device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A system of a vehicle may include an electrical load, a generator, and first and second conduits. The electrical load of the vehicle may include a high energy device that utilizes above 270 volts during operations of the vehicle. The generator may be coupled to an engine of the vehicle and configured to generate electrical power at a voltage above 270 volts for the electrical load of the high energy device during operations of the vehicle. The first and second conduits may be arranged along each other to house respective first and second conductors that are electrically disposed between the electrical load and the generator.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system. Another embodiment is a unique aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and electrical power and thermal management systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided with a gas turbine engine having a plurality of shafts. A first shaft provides power to an electrical generator and a propeller, while a second shaft provides power to a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may be integrated to the propeller, like a ducted fan, or on the outer skin of the aircraft.

Abstract: An electric machine is disclosed integrated to rotate with a shaft of a gas turbine engine. In one form the electric machine is integrated with a fan of the gas turbine engine. A rotor of the electric machine can be disposed at the end of the fan blades and the stator integrated into a flow path forming surface of the gas turbine engine. In one form the windings of the electric machine can change configuration permitting some windings to be placed in parallel with one or more other windings, and then connected together in series with remaining windings, if any. The voltage of the electric machine can change as a result of a change in configuration of the windings. A moveable member can also be used to alter a magnetic field produced from the electric machine when operated such that a voltage can be changed as a result of altering the magnetic field.

Abstract: A system is disclosed one form of which is an aircraft that includes a pod capable of housing a work providing device. The pod can also include a thermal conditioning system and a power generation device that can be powered from the work providing device. The pod can provide thermal conditioning services and power services to a payload aboard the aircraft. In one non-limiting form the payload is a directed energy member that can be cooled using the thermal conditioning system and powered using the power generation device.

Abstract: A system of a vehicle may include an electrical load, a generator, and first and second conduits. The electrical load of the vehicle may include a high energy device that utilizes above 270 volts during operations of the vehicle. The generator may be coupled to an engine of the vehicle and configured to generate electrical power at a voltage above 270 volts for the electrical load of the high energy device during operations of the vehicle. The first and second conduits may be arranged along each other to house respective first and second conductors that are electrically disposed between the electrical load and the generator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed one form of which is an aircraft that includes a pod capable of housing a work providing device. The pod can also include a thermal conditioning system and a power generation device that can be powered from the work providing device. The pod can provide thermal conditioning services and power services to a payload aboard the aircraft. In one non-limiting form the payload is a directed energy member that can be cooled using the thermal conditioning system and powered using the power generation device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus with a prime mover coupled to a generator that is directly electrically coupled to an electric motor. A propeller or fan may be coupled to and driven by the electric motor. A bi-directional power converter may be coupled to the generator and further coupled to an energy storage device. The energy storage device may be selectively coupled to the electric motor. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique machine. Another embodiment is a unique system for supplying electrical power to a machine, such as a vehicle, having an electrical load during operation. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fluid driven actuation systems.

Abstract: A turbine engine may include a modular power electronics distribution system having a plurality of modules connectable to a pluggable interface. The pluggable interface may be configured to receive and distribute power to the plurality of modules. Each module may include at least one fault isolation switch and a coolant system including an inlet and return line, as well as a metering valve. At least one power bus may be configured to provide electrical power to at least one of a load or a source via a functional segment. The functional segment may be operable to supply electrical power to the load in a desired form. The modular power electronics distribution system may include a controller in communication with the plurality of modules, the controller configured to control at least one fault isolation switch and metering valve.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system. Another embodiment is a unique aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and electrical power and thermal management systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: An electrical power and thermal management system may include a power plant operable to provide power to an electrical generation device. The system may include at least one conversion/distribution assembly configured to provide electrical power to a first electrical bus. The system may also include a thermal management system configured to circulate coolant to at least one heat source. A controller may be in communication with the power plant, the electrical generation device, the conversion/distribution assembly, the electrical power bus, and the thermal management system. The controller may be configured to integrally manage electrical and thermal steady and transient demands, wherein the controller is operable to selectively distribute power to the electrical power bus and regulate produced thermal energy in response to electrical and thermal demands, respectively.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique machine. Another embodiment is a unique system for supplying electrical power to a machine, such as a vehicle, having an electrical load during operation. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fluid driven actuation systems.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique system for supplying electrical power to an aircraft electrical load during flight operations. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fluid driven actuation systems.

Abstract: A turbine engine may include a modular power electronics distribution system having a plurality of modules connectable to a pluggable interface. The pluggable interface may be configured to receive and distribute power to the plurality of modules. Each module may include at least one fault isolation switch and a coolant system including an inlet and return line, as well as a metering valve. At least one power bus may be configured to provide electrical power to at least one of a load or a source via a functional segment. The functional segment may be operable to supply electrical power to the load in a desired form. The modular power electronics distribution system may include a controller in communication with the plurality of modules, the controller configured to control at least one fault isolation switch and metering valve.

Abstract: An electrical power and thermal management system may include a power plant operable to provide power to an electrical generation device. The system may include at least one conversion/distribution assembly configured to provide electrical power to a first electrical bus. The system may also include a thermal management system configured to circulate coolant to at least one heat source. A controller may be in communication with the power plant, the electrical generation device, the conversion/distribution assembly, the electrical power bus, and the thermal management system. The controller may be configured to integrally manage electrical and thermal steady and transient demands, wherein the controller is operable to selectively distribute power to the electrical power bus and regulate produced thermal energy in response to electrical and thermal demands, respectively.