A modelling framework for efficient design of electrical power systems for electrical propulsion aircraft

Jones, Catherine E. and Norman, Patrick and Burt, Graeme (2021) A modelling framework for efficient design of electrical power systems for electrical propulsion aircraft. In: 2021 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium, 2021-08-11 - 2021-08-13, Virtual. (https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-3312)

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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.