Advanced avionics applications simulation platform (AAASP) for accurate aircraft systems simulation

A persistent problem for Aircraft Manufacturers has been the difficulty in carrying out accurate and robust simulations of the complete aircraft power network, while including numerous models from a variety of individual equipment suppliers. Often the models are of variable or low quality, with ill-defined parameters or behavior, and in many cases of the wrong level of abstraction to be appropriate for large scale network simulations. In addition, individual equipment suppliers often provide poor models for network integration, with a common issue being low robustness of models leading to lack of convergence, excessive simulation times and delays in development due to the need for rework and extensive testing of these models. In order to address this specific issue a complete library of power electronic system models for Aerospace applications has been developed that encompasses the range of functions from elementary components (passives, devices, switches and magnetic components), intermediate building blocks (rectifiers, inverters, motors, protection devices) and finally complete system models (variable frequency starter generators, power converters, battery and storage elements, transformers). These models have been developed in partnership with several key aircraft equipment suppliers and in partnership with Airbus to ensure that the resulting models are complete and robust. Specific equipment models were also developed in this library including permanent magnet generators, synchronous machines, environmental control systems, wing ice protection systems, power electronic modules and advanced power protection systems. The specific models have been validated against reference and measured data to ensure that they are consistent and accurate. This paper will describe the techniques used to achieve more robust models, using model based engineering, the integration of specific equipment models into the complete aircraft network and the validation of the behavior against measured results. The paper will provide the results of a complete aircraft power network highlighting how the individual models are integrated into the overall network model and the inherent robustness ensure effective, accurate and robust simulations.