During the first part of the project, several analyses of the SoA in power electronics components, topologies and control technics were done, to select the best design to comply with requirements of Weight, Volume, Scalability, S&R and Feasibility for future TRL increase and potential future integration in real a/c.
Initial simulation model was done and simulated, which was evolved to the different configurations and designs, and finally stated in a dedicate deliverable.
During this first stage, also several pre-prototypes, based in previous experiences were used to validate control techniques. Analyses of power scalability & modularity vs performances & integration aspects was also done.
For the second part of the project, a baseline for the development of a TRL3 design and prototype was done.
Moreover, this TRL3 design was validated in isolation, but also tested & integrated with the rest of the eTAXI system under development, as motor, mechanical interfaces and eTAXI system controller simulator.
The second part of the integration activities and recollection of data were part of the third period of the project. After validation and verification of the TRL3 design, a new baseline for TRL6 design was targeted.
So, the third part of the project consisted in the optimization of the design to achieve a TRL6 maturity at the end of the project, including complete new development, new prototypes manufacturing, testing & integration with the rest of the system. This final part that was started at the end of the third reporting period and it was extended along the fourth reporting period and up to the end of the project.
V&V actions were performed over all prototypes generated (pre-prototypes for modular approach, MCU-TRL3 and MCU-TRL6) and also integration activities with the rest of eTAXI items (electrical motors & wheel actuator, eTAXI controller-simulator, energy storage elements,…) in several test benches.
Finally, some pre-qualification tests were performed using MCU-TRL6, although some EMI tests were performed in advance with MCU-TRL3 to de-risk this very important activity.
Development & verification of 3 designs are considered the main results (TRL3 based in modular approach, TRL3-5 with fixed topology and power, and finally a TRL6 development, based in design improvement and previous lesson learnt and taking into account INDRA experience in real aeronautical developments, integration and functional requirements for the eTAXI program and for future a/c).
Main technological items applied & successfully achieved in the E-TSIN project, were:
- Assessment and use of new Wide Bandgap Semiconductors” (WBG), with SiC devices integrated.
- Great benefits in power density but maintaining requirements of safety, reliability & operatively expected for the aircraft.
- Modularity & scalability concepts studied for future applications in other platforms and vehicles.
- Prototypes developed and tested in three levels of maturity & functionality.
- Functionality achieved in different behaviour modes.
- Integration achieved and backup solutions applied.
- Pre-qualification done over final prototypes and perspectives for future maturity plan.
But also, it is important to comment about project management objectives that:
- Project successfully finalized and with very nice expectative for technology and product advances and new opportunities
- All this achieved despite very technical difficulties, due to the project challenges and high impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally to the participation in different conferences and congress, 3 different papers where published at the end of the project.
These results will be exploited in the future by integration in real aircraft prototype and then integrated in the baseline of future aircrafts. The Consortium will be also work in parallel for application of this technology in other platform by using knowledge generated and synergies.
