Why the More Electric Aircraft Needs Power Electronics

This first half of this presentation will introduce the More Electric Aircraft concept and investigate the potential benefits of the technology for manned, civilian aircraft. Typical aircraft electrical power systems, electrical power generation arrangements and associated aircraft loads will be described as well as the exciting, future challenges for the aerospace industry. The importance of power electronics as an enabling technology for this step change in aircraft design is considered and examples of typical system designs are discussed. Work undertaken on Motor Design for Green Aircraft Taxiing, Electromagnetically Assisted Aircraft Launching and Electric Actuation for Helicopters will be described as case studies and future challenges for academia and industry will be discussed.

The second part of the presentation will consider the improvements required in technology to make the concept of All Electric Flight a feasible option for civilian aircraft in the future. This will include roadmaps and power density targets as well as the technologies which may offer solutions. These technologies include examples of very high power density electrical machines and power electronics using emerging semiconductor devices such as SiC and GaN.

Speaker(s): Dr. Patrick Wheeler,

Location:
Bldg: Westinghouse Energy Center
Monroeville, Pennsylvania