Modelling aeroplane power systems
Since modern aeroplanes need more electrical power than their predecessors, it is crucial that models of energy use are accurate and reliable. The EU-funded 'Suite of integrated models for electrical aircraft drives' (SIMEAD) project was established to develop interconnected models of electrical and mechanical power systems for aeroplanes, with the aim of optimising power and energy use.Researchers succeeded in developing improved models for both the mechanical and electrical systems. The mechanical models predict energy losses from a generator (e.g. thermal energy), while the electrical models cover different energy conversion processes. Models were created for AC:DC, DC:AC and DC:DC converters, and all were compared with real data for validation. Several case studies were also completed to show the application of these models to real design challenges. SIMEAD researchers found their newly defined models to be more accurate than the previous SABER models. This work has thus advanced the state of power system models in the aviation industry, contributing to more efficient and sustainable aircraft in the future.
Keywords
Aeroplane, mechanical model, energy loss, electrical power
