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 develop design and modeling methodologies for high-power multi-phase electric generators and power converters equipped with fault-tolerant capabilities, tailored for hybrid-electric aircraft applications. This objective will be validated through dedicated experimental test setups. Passenger and cargo air transport demand exceptionally high standards of reliability and safety. The design of modular multiphase power generators and converters will achieve the redundancy levels required to meet these stringent specifications. Developing a design methodology for fault-tolerant generating systems, along with the associated control and diagnostic systems, will have short- to medium-term impacts on avionic applications and transport sectors. The More Electric Aircraft approach, currently applied in civil aviation, will benefit from these advancements. Numerous on-board actuators that require fault tolerance, such as flight controls, cabin pressurization and conditioning systems, fuel pumps, and engine lubrication equipment, can leverage the advantages of multiphase architectures. The availability of electric technology that meets the stringent safety and reliability requirements of aircraft is crucial, as manufacturers strive to anticipate the factors influencing future purchase decisions by transport operators. Additionally, a network of knowledge, skills, and design methodologies for innovative electric drives in hybrid-electric aircraft will support the industry and facilitate its transition. The topics explored, with necessary variations, can be applied to hybrid/electric systems for road and naval transport, high-power generation units (such as diesel-electric), renewable energy generation systems like wind and wave motion, and various industrial applications within the megawatt power range. Results The research of the Bologna university unit will involve comprehensive mathematical modeling of multi-phase permanent magnet machines under various fault conditions, employing the Vector Space Decomposition methodology. Advanced diagnostic techniques will be developed to enable early detection and localization of both electrical and mechanical faults, during steady-state and dynamic operating scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on non-invasive approaches, leveraging detailed fault modeling and time- or frequency-domain analysis of stator voltages and/or currents. Additionally, fault-tolerant control strategies will be designed for multi-phase drives, incorporating extended Field Oriented Control (FOC) schemes and multi-reference frame current regulators. These strategies aim to maintain effective torque control and high dynamic performance under fault conditions, with minimal degradation in system capabilities. The introduction of extra-legs in the converter topology will be considered. On a fault event, the added leg could substitute the damaged one. In normal operations, the utilization of the added leg, for performance improvement, could also be possible. Finally, a multiphase AC-DC power converter arrangement based on multilevel E-Type converter topology, and purposely designed for fault-tolerant aircraft electric power generation applications, will be realized and tested.
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
