Abstract
Title of the project Multi-phase fault tolerant MW range generation systems for hybrid-electric aircrafts Principal investigator: prof. Alberto Tenconi, politecnico di Torino List of the Research Units: politecnico di Torino, università degli studi Roma Tre, università degli studi dell’Aquila, università degli studi di Bologna. Local research unit - Università degli Studi di Bologna Personnel of the local research unit TANI Angelo PO (associated investigator) BELLINI Alberto PO SALA Giacomo RTT CAGLIARI Gabriele Antonino AdR (personnel specifically recruited) Total cost of the project of the local research unit: € 63.520. Description of the proposal Electrifying transportation is one of the European Union’s strategic objectives. In the aviation sector, this is driving the development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems aimed at reducing emissions while enhancing reliability and lowering maintenance costs. These systems typically feature a gas turbine powering an electric generator, which supplies energy to electric motors connected to the aircraft’s propellers. This configuration enables distributed propulsion, optimizing thrust efficiency and reducing aerodynamic drag. In such aircraft, the electrical system must be designed to incorporate fault-tolerant features and handle high current levels, given the relatively low voltage available on board. Multi-phase generation systems offer an integrated solution for applications requiring high current and a high level of safety. Their inherent redundancy supports compliance with stringent reliability standards and operational demands. By distributing power across multiple phases, it becomes possible to utilize faster semiconductor devices, thereby enhancing both power quality and efficiency. Architectures built from independent single-phase or three-phase modules exhibit superior fault tolerance, as the failure of a single converter module can be mitigated by isolating it, enabling continued operation, albeit with reduced performance. Nonetheless, ensuring safe operation in the event of a machine-level fault remains a significant challenge. Additionally, control algorithms must be capable of identifying faults within the converter or machine and implementing appropriate countermeasures to limit the impact on drive performance. The goal of this project is to advance both theoretical understanding and practical solutions for fault-tolerant generation systems in hybrid-electric aircraft. The research will focus specifically on the development of multi-phase generator architectures capable of maintaining functionality even in the presence of one or more faults. In particular, the Bologna university unit will develop control algorithms for detection and management of fault conditions within the generating system. The research methodology will follow established investigative practices in the field of industrial engineering, integrating both theoretical analysis and experimental validation. The process will begin with a review of the current state of the art, followed by the identification of recent advancements and promising approaches found in literature. Selected solutions will then be designed, modeled, and subjected to experimental validation. Moreover, insights gained from the experimental phase will not only guide refinement of the design decisions, but also inspire new avenues for further investigation. The project includes dedicated experimental work to validate both the design process, and the simulation techniques employed. Objectives The first goal of the Research Project is to establish a cohesive research team and foster a coordinated national effort aimed at advancing both theoretical and practical expertise in the design, simulation, and control methodologies of electrical components in hybrid-electric propulsion systems for aircraft. Specifically, the project primarily aims to de
Dettagli del progetto
Responsabile scientifico: Angelo Tani
Strutture Unibo coinvolte:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Energia Elettrica e dell'Informazione "Guglielmo Marconi"
Coordinatore:
Politecnico di TORINO(Italy)
Contributo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 49.120,00
Durata del progetto in mesi: 24
Data di inizio
28/09/2023
Data di fine:
28/02/2026
