Project description
Arc tracking in new higher voltage aeroplanes
As we move towards cleaner and more efficient forms of transport, the aviation industry is using more electric technology. Existing electrical wiring systems on aircraft operate at low voltages (115V AC/28V DC). Certain types of faults in the wiring of these systems can cause significant damage to the wiring with a risk of fire. This is managed in existing systems by careful selection of the insulation material and testing. The new aircraft being developed will require the use of higher voltages. The voltage level of their electrical systems may increase to 3kV or above. The EU-funded ARCTRACK project will study whether arc tracking failure poses a significant risk in these new higher voltage systems.
Objective
Electrical wiring systems on aircraft have traditionally operated at low voltages (115V AC / 28V DC). The insulation system used in the wiring systems is not subject to significant levels of electrical stress but thermal and chemical degradation / mechanical damage can allow the insulation to be breached. If two wires / a wire and a ground plane are then breached by a conductive fluid (from a leaking pipe / condensation) or by making contact with a conductive surface (such as a bulkhead), current will then flow. The magnitude of the current is then limited by the electric arc that forms between the wires with the arc voltage being of a similar magnitude to the system voltage. These arcing events are therefore difficult to detect given their intermittent nature and the relatively small levels of current that flow. However, they can cause significant damage. A recent example was the loss of an F35B where an electrical fault caused by an incorrectly installed bracket then caused the failure of a hydraulic line and a fire.
As we development hybrid and all electric aircraft, the voltage level of the on-board electrical systems is expected to climb to 0.75-3kV (the lower voltages being used for VTOL air taxis and the higher voltages being used in regional jet applications such as the E Fan X demonstrator). The use of higher voltages, the change in component technology (such as using screened instead of unscreened cables), system configuration (grounded / ungrounded) and use of composite structures within the aircraft will all impact on arc tracking.
This project aims to deliver a clear understanding of the arc tracking hazard in these new higher voltage systems and describe ways in which it can be quantified and mitigated.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering aircraft
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.3.4. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3.4.5.1. - IADP Large Passenger Aircraft
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
IA - Innovation action
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-CS2-CFP09-2018-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
M13 9PL Manchester
United Kingdom
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