Choice of optimal voltage for more electric aircraft wiring systems

• Published in: IET electrical systems in transportation Vol. 1; no. 1; pp. 24 - 30
• Main Authors: Christou, I, Nelms, A, Cotton, I, Husband, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stevenage The Institution of Engineering & Technology 01.03.2011
• Subjects: Aircraft; Electric potential; Electric power generation; Electric wire; Optimization; Power transfer; Voltage; Wiring
• ISSN: 2042-9738; 2042-9746
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-est.2010.0021

Increased electrical power demands are being experienced on the new generation of aircraft due to an increased reliance on electrical technology such as air conditioning, de-icing systems and electrical flight control actuation. This study uses a theoretical analysis backed by experimental results to investigate the optimal operating voltage of a wiring system. In addition, it proposes a methodology for optimising the operating voltage level based on an analysis of the power carrying capability of wiring within a fixed volume system and the derivation of the wire weight as a function of voltage. The work done has shown that the optimal operating point for an aircraft power system does not imply the use of the highest voltage possible. A trade-off between wire weight and power transfer is required and furthermore the use of direct current systems can result in higher power transfers than conventional three phase/400 Hz alternating current systems.