Report
Teaser, summary, work performed and final results
Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HVEMB (High Voltage Direct Current Distribution Electrical Master Box)
Teaser
The main problem addressed is the way to save weight anf increase reliability of high voltage distribution equipments.It stands as the right opportunity for LIE to put all aspects of its strategic choices into perspective and bring innovative solutions to the aeronautics...
Summary
The main problem addressed is the way to save weight anf increase reliability of high voltage distribution equipments.
It stands as the right opportunity for LIE to put all aspects of its strategic choices into perspective and bring innovative solutions to the aeronautics market.
The objective through this project is to develop the next generation of Power Distribution Unit based on a new generation of high voltage commutation devices, themselves based on electromechanical and electronic switching components.
Work performed
\"The work performed from the beginning of the project consist in developping the following innovative components :
• A new HVDC platform based on the modular concept with reusable component for future design.
This platform was designed as a \"\"Lego\"\" in order to build any electrical architecture reducing cost design
• A new range of HVDC contactors covering power up to 40kW
This new components allows to operate electrical commutation with high cycling and overload level ; the main issue in HVDC electromechanically commutation is to propagate a fire if electrical arc is not well managed, these components use a failsafe design.
With the rising demand for electrical energy in an aircraft using HVDC network increase the probability of occurrence of an arc fault. New protection devices such as arc fault detectors were also envisaged in addition to the project.
• Adapted sensors for IT grounding system to cover failures and protect persons
The challenge was to design a robust and accurate system to measure leakage to the chassis and inform the crew for the next maintenance slot increasing the electric distribution availability and provide human safety.
The results of the first equipment delivered to the partner demonstrates that the following benefits are acheived :
• Weight saving,
• Volume reduction,
• Cost saving,
• Reduced Development Time.
\"
Final results
The HVDC hybrid contactor prove the high number of cycles reach and the important overloads level withstand in comparison with off the shelf components.
The HVDC embedded technologies are linked to HVDC batteries present from electrical car to aircraft, the next revolution will come with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the HVDC technologies developed in HVEMB project fits with all these needs.
Our company is involved in working with other partners, for EVTOLs projects. This will ensure increasing the knowledge into the HVDC domain, as well as fully understanding the market needs in terms of type and range of components.
As a matter of fact classic electromechanical components cannot be used for High voltages greater than 2KV, these battery voltages are a target for EVTOL project ; the LIE technology offer a way to break a tecnological bolt.
The consequences is to reach new markets that obviously will bring employement.
Website & more info
More info: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8088106.