Electrical Power Generation in Aircraft: Review, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

Abstract-The constant growth of air traffic, the demand for performance optimization and the need for decreasing both operating and maintenance costs have encouraged the aircraft industry to move towards more electric solutions. As a result of this trend, electric power required on board of aircraft has significantly increased through the years, causing major changes in electric power system architectures. Considering this scenario, the paper gives a review about the evolution of electric power generation systems in aircraft. The major achievements are highlighted and the rationale behind some significant developments discussed. After a brief historical overview of the early DC generators (both wind-and engine-driven), the reasons which brought the definitive passage to the AC generation, for larger aircraft, are presented and explained. Several AC generation systems are investigated with particular attention being focused on the voltage levels and the generator technology. Further, examples of commercial aircraft implementing AC generation systems are provided. Finally, the trends towards modern generation systems are also considered giving prominence to their challenges and feasibility.

On-Board Microgrids for the More Electric Aircraft—Technology Review

“…The EPDS must be sized to provide the peak power in the worstcase scenario, the optimal solution is found when the difference between peak and average power is minimized. The generators connected to the main engines have a power capability that depends on the engine type, the generator type and on the actual operating conditions [3] and this power is then transferred to the loads through the distribution system. Considering that power electronics converters interface most of the loads, the interactions between the control system makes the stability of the microgrid a challenging task, because the voltage and frequency stability cannot be aided by the presence of large synchronous generator like the traditional grid [4].…”

Multiscale magneto-elastic modeling of magnetic materials including isotropic second order stress effect

“…The search for weight optimization of electromechanical systems leads to build more compact and high speed systems (see [1] and reviews [2,3,4]).…”

Challenges of the Optimization of a High-Speed Induction Machine for Naval Applications

“…For the study of the thermal behaviour IM, several lumped parameters thermal netw proposed. For example, in [12] a detailed the introduced which describes the temperature part, both axial and radially. Fig.…”

“…Using the proposed thermal network, therm ysis can also be performed [12], [13]. In th capacitors are added to the network.…”

“…The contribution of the presenters of the first Workshop on Induction Machines, held at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China in 2018, are hereby collected in the present work with the aim of describing how the IM drive can be designed with advanced optimisation techniques that can finally guarantee appropriate performance at system level, as expected from the most advanced PM drive options today. Based on detailed literature reviews and the most recent advances in design and optimisation techniques, this paper strives to build a case for the continued utilisation of IM drives in today's world of transport electrification that is currently being dominated by more modern systems and drives such as the PM drive [12].…”