A Comprehensive Model of Variable Pitch Electric Propulsion Unit for Optimal-Power Thrust Control

In response to high-efficiency and high-performance thrust control requirements of variable pitch electric propulsion units for aviation, a comprehensive model is proposed in this article. This model includes equivalently transformed thrust and torque, dynamic thrust feedback, and converted electrical loss. The blade force is analyzed and simplified by polynomial approximation. The load torque model of pitch control and sensor measuring delay model are supplemented, which is helpful for speed–pitch cooperative control and thrust output error elimination. The relationship between electrical loss and system operating states is established, and the loss model is proposed. The experimental results confirm that, comparing with the load power optimal control method (based on the existing models), input power optimal control method (based on the proposed model) can reduce power consumption by 5% in an aircraft cruising state. The model proposed in this article could be useful for thorough electric propulsion simulation and optimal-power thrust control.