Discussion on Electric Power Supply Systems for All Electric Aircraft

Abstract

The electric power supply system is one of the most important research areas within sustainable and energy-efficient aviation for more-and especially all electric aircraft. This paper discusses the history in electrification, current trends with a broad overview of research activities, state of the art of electrification and an initial proposal for a short-range aircraft. It gives an overview of the mission profile, electrical sources, approaches for the electrical distribution system and the required electrical loads. Current research aspects and questions are discussed, including voltage levels, semiconductor technology, topologies and reliability. Because of the importance for safety possible circuit breakers for the proposed concept are also presented and compared, leading to a initial proposal. Additionally, a very broad review of literature and a state of the art discussion of the wiring harness is given, showing that this topic comes with a high number of aspects and requirements. Finally, the conclusion sums up the most important results and gives an outlook on important future research topics. INDEX TERMS Aviation, aerospace electronics, MEA, AEA, electric power supply systems, dc-dc power converters, power semiconductor devices, wide bandgap semiconductors, high voltage direct current (HVDC), circuit breaker, hybrid circuit breaker.

Electric Power Systems in More and All Electric Aircraft: A Review

“…This situation becomes worse when one considers the historical 4-5% annual growth in air travel [3]. Compared with conventional aircraft, more electric aircraft (MEA) result in less dependency on carbon-based fuels, less carbon and NOx emissions, higher efficiency, more reliability, and reduced noise, which could end night flight bans in many airports [4]. In addition, electrical subsystems can be used irregularly and only when needed [5].…”

“…Additionally, reviews on PE converters, control, reliability, and protection were also provided. In [4], using an initial proposed schematic for an AEA EPS, relevant aspects and technologies were reviewed. Authors in [6] presented an entry point and provided an insightful overview of concepts and models of MEA.…”

“…Standardized voltages are provided at airports for maintenance purposes and components, such as batteries and PE components, which are designed and commercialized to be compatible with standard voltages. In [4], an initial schematic of an AEA EPS was proposed. A voltage level of 3 kVdc was assumed, which does not comply with the MIL-STD-704 and DO-160 standards.…”

“…With today's technologies, possible switch technologies include Silicon (Si) based switches and wide-bandgap devices including Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) switches. In [4], an in-depth review of wide-bandgap technologies was provided under the heading of semiconductor technology. Compared with Si based switches, wide-bandgap switches enjoy higher power density, higher slew rate, better thermal conductivity, higher critical field strength, and, thus, better resistance to radiation.…”

High-Power Machines and Starter-Generator Topologies for More Electric Aircraft: A Technology Outlook

“…Thus, challenges with partial discharges can increase for motor windings as well as cable insulation in aircraft applications [41], [42]. Inside the aircraft body with the environmental control system (ECS) intact, the critical electric field is 25 kV per cm [43], which informs the insulation design of individual power components. Efforts toward partial discharge-free (PD-free) design of electrical machines have been reported to promote MEA reliability [44].…”