C4.1 - Reliable and Robust Electrical Power Conversion for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems

Project Description:

The research project investigates solutions for electric distribution and conversion in both conventionally and innovatively cryogenically-cooled systems for aviation applications. With aircraft-specific goals and challenges such as power density (gravimetric and volumetric), efficiency, and reliability, the project team is tackling an optimization problem that requires a holistic approach. A significant challenge lies in navigating the wide range of topologies available for the distribution system, converters, inverters, and electric machines. To address these challenges, the team is conducting FEM calculations and experiments to gather models and refine existing ones, aiming to enhance the overall understanding and effectiveness of the systems under investigation.

Project objectives:

• Comparison of conventionally-cooled and a superconductive aircraft energy system regarding power density, efficiency, reliability, lifetime
• Develop a life time model as a function of calculated temperature in winding insulation of an electrical machine
• Motor design according the life-critical parameters which enables to take into account the thermal-and electromagnetic aspects of the electrical machine
• Proposing different electrical architectures and reaching an optimal model regarding centralized and decentralized power distribution (power islands) and reliability
• Health monitoring and predictive maintenance assessment through life time analysis
• Provide models for the implementation in the E²AGLE (Electric Aircraft Ground Lab Environment)