The paper deals with the innovative concept of "variable voltage" bus concept for future more-electric aircraft platforms. Using new functionalities and opportunities offered by innovative sources actively controlled by power electronics, there is an opportunity for significant increase of their output power (within powertrain capabilities, machine thermal limits and power converter maximum current) to supply increased load demands under certain conditions. The paper investigates application of this concept to satisfy power demands for wing ice-protection system for business-jet. The study includes detailed study into the control challenges of the proposed approach and suggests corresponding theoretical solutions. Furthermore, the controller design aspects are explored with considerations to achieve stable operation. The concept is tested in simulation environment and validated through experimental studies. This paper might be of interest for the researchers and engineers focused on innovative solutions for future aircraft platforms.
Index Terms-control design, icing protection system, more electric aircraft, variable voltage control, voltage wildSeang Shen Yeoh received his MSc degree in power electronics (Distinction) and Ph.D degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, in 2011 and 2016 respectively. Since then, he has been a research fellow in the same university under the Power Electronics, Machines, and Controls Research Group. His current research interests are in the area of aircraft application, namely modelling and stability studies of complex power systems, and new control strategies for high speed drive systems.