Reducing the environmental impact of aircraft is vital for the future of our planet and a key focus for all major aerospace manufacturers. In the drive to decrease emissions, the aerospace industry is seeking to develop More Electric Aircraft (MEA), those that use more electric components than current planes, and All Electric Aircraft (AEA) – both concepts that are still relatively new. As new developments can take over a decade to come to market, standardising the way these new developments are talked about – a common language – is required as early as possible, to align technology development in the entire supply chain.
Models and simulations, developed from research by the Institute for Aerospace Technology and the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Group, underpin five key Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Aerospace Information Reports (AIR) regarding Electric Power Systems. AIR’s standardise technical language and technology development in the aerospace industry simplifying collaboration, reducing costs throughout the supply chains, and speeding up the advancement of new technologies. The five AIRs underpinned by Faculty of Engineering research are now embedded within the development programmes of major global aerospace manufacturers and their suppliers.
Working with major aviation companies, the research team were also able to make fundamental changes in design practices by providing technical information and models to guide the development of new electric power systems architectures for next generation aircraft.