Advanced power conversion system for rotorcraft
With the advent of more electric aircraft, overall electrical power requirements are climbing steeply, with new approaches being vital to safe and intelligent aircraft power distribution. In the EU-funded project REGENESYS (Multi-source regenerative systems power conversion - REGENESYS), scientists unveiled a demonstrator of a flexible power conversion system incorporating multiple energy sources, energy recovery and storage capability. The REGENESYS demonstrator system includes a multi bidirectional converter system with regenerative energy capability and energy storage functions. One bidirectional DC-DC converter handles the fast regenerative energy, working between 270 V and the storage subsystem voltages. The other one satisfies lower voltages, working between 270 and 28 V. Both can be adapted to meet changing aircraft requirements. Along with both converters, there is a sophisticated converter controller unit (CCU) based on a reprogrammable field-programmable gate array, providing digital loop closure for power elements. For future aircraft, the CCU design will be considered an integral design entity within the overall avionics system, probably interfacing directly with the glass cockpit. In addition to the CCU, the system includes a microcontroller module that provides an interface between the converters and a data bus. Furthermore, the storage subsystem is based on a lithium-titanate battery that allows safe high-current charge and discharge. If developed at larger scale, the newly advanced power regeneration technology has the potential to reduce weight and volume of installed electrical distribution systems. In addition, it can improve safety due to redundant components and alternative power bus structures.