Advanced Data and power Electrical NEtwork Architectures and Systems

Project Information

ADENEAS

Grant agreement ID: 101006728

DOI

10.3030/101006728

Project closed

EC signature date 14 December 2020

Start date 1 February 2021

End date 30 April 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 4 018 012,75

EU contribution

€ 4 018 012,75

Coordinated by

FOKKER ELMO BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ADENEAS (Advanced Data and power Electrical NEtwork Architectures and Systems)

Reporting period: 2022-08-01 to 2024-04-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Flightpath 2050 goal is to reduce 75% and 90% NOx in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer. More Electrical and Connected Aircraft is a promising enabler, e.g. by replacing hydraulic and pneumatic systems by lighter electrical systems. As a consequence more complex electrical systems will be embedded in the aircraft, asking for more electrical power and wiring. ADENEAS targets to reduce 400 kg weight for power equipment and electrical wiring.
ADENEAS mission is to pave the way for the development of a safe, light, self-configuring, autonomous and modular power and data distribution network that is scalable to all aircraft sizes. To contribute to this dot on the horizon, the product proposition illustrated is defined.
The data network is composed of wireless and wired communication. Redundancy supports higher criticality aircraft functions. The network has autonomy using embedded intelligence. Novel Conductor Concepts avoid ElectroMagnetic Interference.
The ADENEAS power network distributes to all consumers, excluding electric propulsion. For medium power loads, Modular Power Distribution is applied with Prognostic Health Monitoring (PHM) of connected loads. Power equipment is cooled with a 2-phase cooling with cooling additives. New architectures for Cabin Power in the cabin and to the Passenger Power District.
Design is optimized with Optimization Tools and Methods that incorporate AI.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Advanced enabling technologies for intra-aircraft data communication
- Ultra-reliable wireless communication enablers’ current state of the art are explored to make a selection. The enablers selected developed achieved a raised reliability. The reliability model setup to evaluate them, is usable for certification and in more detailed analysis.
- In-aircraft antenna-to-antenna signal transfer model developed, are made computationally fast. Antenna propagation tests are performed in a Fokker 100 aircraft and in a dedicated testbench to evolve these models to a higher fidelity.
- Robustness of Power Line Communication (PLC) is verified with EMC tests of a new PLC-module prototype.
- A PLC network configuration tool was prototyped.
- Two Novel Conductor Concepts (NCC) prototyped raise the robustness of PLC and wireless communications to the targeted level.
New architecture concepts for advanced data and power networks
- Reference cases were prepared to develop design criteria and architectures at aircraft level.
- Multiple hybrid data network concepts at aircraft level were traded of to gain insight in how better practices regarding weight reduction.
- A nano-grid system for the passenger district with a control system was developed, supported by system level simulation. High efficiency convertors were prototyped.
- For PHM, the identification of the ageing mechanism for the insulation were investigated. An ageing testbench was prepared to monitor degradation of motor insulation of aged samples. A classification learning algorithm was developed with a substantial prediction rate.
Advanced AI-based design tools
- The topology exploration tool for power-networks, and the Extended Signal Routing Application to automate data-network design, are developed and equipped with AI.
Cooling system
- Architectural trade-off for a 2-phase Mechanically Pumped Loop cooling system with nanofluids, and a trade-off between single-phase and two-phase cooling systems was performed. A demonstrator was built to evaluate the performance with a detailed study.
- Nanofluids proof of concepts were tested for single and two-phase cooling.
Demonstration and evaluation
- The list of technology enabler solutions made, correlates to the TRL based technology readiness assessment performed and to means of evaluation applied, containing test benches and demonstrators.
- eVektor Sportstar EPOS+ (Electric Powered Small aircraft) acted as a testbed for design of the cooling interface for the engine, and for PLC.
Uptake of the ADENEAS technologies beyond the end of the project
- EUROCAE-WG96 and RTCA SC-236 was participated to anticipate Wireless Aircraft Intra Communication standards being development, in preparation for a standardisation roadmap.
- ARINC committee for Cabin Autonomous System Secure Interface (CASSI) develops interoperability requirements for aircraft cabin applications, and was also participated.
- The Business Plan prepared, was aligned with the project RHIADA, Dutch Fund for Growth – Aerospace in Transition and Clean Aviation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The reliability of state-of-the-art wireless communication has been improved by magnitude of 100, by implementing mechanisms such as diversity, redundancy and intelligent control.
Antenna propagation model computational time of have been accelerated form 100s of hours to 10s of minutes, to enable practical deployment for design.
PLC robustness was increased to meet DO-160 requirements. The scalability of PLC raised by the configuration tool developed.
The bifilar wiring concept developed, can be deployed by PLC to meet DO-160 requirement.
Shielding transparencies for passenger windows raise aircraft body shielding effectiveness by 20 dB, to enable co-existence between aircraft internal and external systems.
The power distribution system developed has an active reconfigurable modular architecture aligned with the need of local power districts, to prepare for next generation aircraft with a more weight efficient architectures. Prognostic health monitoring techniques to monitor conductor insulation health were developed, achieved an identification rate beyond 60% of upcoming insulation failures.
The step-down DC/DC power conversion power density was doubled.
Machine learning algorithms developed, optimize architectures and topologies of the power- and data networks.
At aircraft level multiple more compact electronic boxes can be equipped with an optimized modular cooling interface for power electronics.
The 2-phase cooling concept delivers a weight reduction of 38%, and can deploy cooling additives with a 20% raised heat flux.
The final weight analysis confirmed the expectation that the ADENEAS project results, can achieve the 400 kg weight reduction target for A220.

ADENEAS product proposition