Project description
Efficient electric propulsion systems for aircraft
Electrified aircraft propulsion is the use of propulsors (propellers or fans) driven by electric motors to propel aircraft. The technology requires the development or refinement of several components to ensure the electric system supplies the electric power for propulsion efficiently while keeping electromagnetic emissions within safety limits. The EU-funded EASIER project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from different countries who will conduct research on multiple topics related to electric power systems. In particular, they will investigate filter systems that suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) and lightweight electrical wiring interconnection systems that limit EMI generation. What is more, they will examine how to improve heat transfer from electrical systems to the aircraft exterior.
Objective
Challenges presented by aircraft electric propulsion requires the development of new airborne technologies that enable expanding the electrification technology trend already impacting other areas, like ground transportation or the autonomous generation/usage of electricity from renewables, to efficient and economical air transportation. Those intended technologies must be capable of producing a highly efficient, lightweight, and compact aircraft electrical system that can supply the electric power for propulsion as well as for other uses while keeping electromagnetic emissions under safe limits compatible with airborne equipment operation and human safety. In addition, they shall control heat up of the system by enhanced thermal dissipation through a proper thermal management system.
With this aim, EASIER will bring together a multidisciplinary team in order to achieve the following objectives:
1. Investigating EMI filtering solutions with less volume and weight.
2. Investigating EWIS technologies with less radiated EMI, less volume and lower weight.
3. Improved heat transfer from electrical systems to the aircraft exterior.
4. Optimization of the integration of electrical systems with significant mutual impact.
5. Engagement with airframers and regulatory agencies.
6. System trade-off analysis and technology identification.
7. Roadmapping of hybrid/electric aircraft key enabling technologies in terms of EMI and thermal management.
To achieve the objectives a strong partnership is established among all members of the EASIER consortium from EU and US who will collaborate following a coordinated plan, with the Industrial Advisory Board and other consortium(s) executing areas 1-3 from the call.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringelectric energy
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringthermodynamic engineeringheat engineering
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraft
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
T23 Cork
Ireland