High Voltage Direct Current Distribution Electrical Master Box

Project Information

HVEMB

Grant agreement ID: 686085

DOI

10.3030/686085

Project closed

EC signature date 29 March 2016

Start date 1 April 2016

End date 31 July 2020

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 1 476 620,00

EU contribution

€ 690 000,00

Coordinated by

LEACH INTERNATIONAL EUROPE SAS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - HVEMB (High Voltage Direct Current Distribution Electrical Master Box)

Reporting period: 2019-04-01 to 2020-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The main problem addressed was to save weight and increase reliability of high voltage distribution equipments in order to be ready for next aircraft generation (reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions).

The objective of this project is to develop the next generation of Power Distribution Unit based on a new generation of high voltage commutation devices embedded in a modular concept.

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

"The work performed during this project was to develop the following innovative components:

• A new HVDC platform based on the modular concept with reusable component for future design.
This platform was designed around reusable technologic bricks in order to build any electrical architecture reducing cost design.

• A new range of HVDC contactors with a power up to 40kW
This new components allows to operate electrical commutation with high reliability (number of cycle and high overload capability).
The main topic to address in HVDC contactor switching is to avoid propagating a fire if the electrical arc is not well managed.This topic has been addressed by safety analysis leading to use a failsafe design.

With the rising demand for electrical energy in an aircraft using HVDC network, it increases the probability of occurrence of an arc fault. New protection devices such as arc fault detectors were also addressed in addition to the project.

• Adapted sensors for IT grounding system to cover failures and protect persons
The challenge was to design a robust and accurate system to measure leakage current to the chassis, that allows to increase safety and aircraft availability.
The system also allows to inform the maintenance crew to keep the system integrity.


The demonstrator provided the following benefits:
• Weight saving, (over 15%)
• Volume reduction, (over 20%)
• Reduced Development Time. (over 65%)

These figures were obtained by comparing data of ""previous"" design equipment with the same equipment based on modular technology and HVDC components."

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 HVDC hybrid contactor proved the high number of cycles reach and the important overloads level withstand in comparison with existing components (state of the art).
LEACH definitively moved the technology needle in term of HVDC switching.

The needs of HVDC network is directly driven by energy storage constraints (batteries) that are and will be more and more used for hybrid and electrical vehicles. The next revolution is coming with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL), the HVDC technologies developed by LEACH in HVEMB project fits with all these needs.

This project increased the knowledge in the HVDC domain, as well as fully understand the market needs in terms of type and range of components.

As a matter of fact ""classic"" electromechanical components cannot be used efficiently for High voltages (greater than ~1KV), the LEACH technology solve this technological limitation.

Having an European company staying ahead competition in this area is key to address a worldwide market and ensure competitiveness of European vehicle.
This asset is important to keep a technological advance and also to ensure France and Europe employment"

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