A Modelling Framework for Efficient Design of Electrical Power Systems for Electrical Propulsion Aircraft

Abstract

Electrification of aircraft is a key enabler to reducing fuel burn, and hence emissions, from air travel. A combination of the low technical maturity of existing electrical power systems (EPS) and electrical technologies for electrical propulsion aircraft (EPA), and a lack of appropriate industry standards and significant interdependencies between electrical and non-electrical aircraft systems, results in significant challenges to the efficient design process of the EPS for EPA. A structured approach to the EPS design to enable an efficient design process from low to high technology and system readiness levels is required. Existing modelling standards for more-electric aircraft provide a pathway for EPS appraisal for established baseline architectures, but do not consider the process for disruptive technologies or interdependencies with non-electrical systems associated with EPA EPS design.Hence this paper presents a novel EPS Modelling Framework which provides an efficient route to the design of de-risked, viable EPS's for concept EPA. The Modelling Framework enables design of concept EPS to meet predetermined performance criteria. Furthermore, it enables strategy mapping for both future systems and individual technology performance, with potential to interlink with design frameworks for non-electrical systems.

A Modelling Design Framework for Integrated Electrical Power and Non-Electrical Systems Design on Electrical Propulsion Aircraft

“…The outcome of modelling at dynamic functionality levels directly influences the SDLs at Level 1. It is too simplistic to use dynamic functionality modelling to narrow system parameters (as was the case in the first iteration of the Modelling Framework [13]).…”

“…This enables design decisions to take place, but alone does not provide a methodology for EPS design. The EPS modelling framework [13] has 8 Levels, which map to the levels of modelling complexity described in SAE AIR 6326 [12]. Within Level 1, which focusses on steady state performance (e.g.…”

“…However the original EPS Modelling Framework [13] only considered the system parameters of voltage, frequency and power to be passed between the different levels of the framework. The range of these parameters was refined as the system design narrowed from a generic to specific choice of technologies and topologies.…”