The ASPIRE project focus is on the development and implementation of the Enhanced Electrical Energy Management (E2-EM) concept for future aircraft Electrical Power System (EPS). This enhanced methodology will result in a significant reduction in the required overload capability of the main generation systems, thus reducing the weight and volume of the EPS as a whole. This Project will develop an innovative strategy for a highly distributed, modular and flexible smart-grid Electric Power Distribution System (EPDS) in addition to designing and constructing a novel DC/DC converter as a core element (cell) of this smart-grid.
ASPIRE will deliver the smart grid converter technology for Regional Aircraft as required by the Regional Aircraft IADP in CS2. The proposed technology, based on Enhanced Electrical Energy Management is a key element in enabling the next wave of technology integration for More Electric Aircraft. The technological, environmental, societal and industrial impacts of ASPIRE are:
• ASPIRE will contribute to the delivery of the Regional Aircraft Electrical Ground Demonstrator by providing the electrical grid that is central to operating the various electrical systems on the demonstrator.
• ASPIRE will enable the Regional Aircraft IADP Leaders to realise the Energy Optimised Regional Aircraft using the grid technology as the backbone for the More Electric Aircraft, which will enable heavy mechanical systems to be replaced by lighter electrical ones and therefore reduce CO2 emissions by 3%.
• The Energy Optimised Regional Aircraft will deliver industrial leadership due to the world leading technologies that will be integrated into the overall aircraft platform. The electrical architecture of the aircraft will have the ASPIRE smart grid conversion technology at its heart.
• The flexible and adaptive technology proposed in ASPIRE will make the Energy Optimised Regional Aircraft more reliable due to the smart architecture being developed. In turn, this means that the aircraft will experience less down time and will be able to operate with less flight delays and more reliable scheduling enabling seamless mobility for passengers.
The ASPIRE project aims to enable a step change in the design and development of future aircraft electrical power systems by making them “smart” and more efficient hence contributing towards more efficient, greener aviation. ASPIRE will focus on the design, development and manufacturing of an innovative DC/DC cellular converter with automatic inversion functionality. This will be a key component in the creation and demonstration of an advanced Electrical Power Distribution System (EPDS) with impeded E2-EM capability. The ASPIRE final product is a multicellular DC/DC converter with decentralised supervisor and advanced energy management strategy to enable the implementation of the “smart” EPDS concept to regional aircraft.
