Safe electrical wiring interconnection systems (SEWIS)

The use of high voltages on aircraft is essential if we are to deliver electrical systems with a high enough power density to enable electrification of propulsion. However, the use of high voltage coupled with the aerospace environment increases the risk of electrical failure and poses a risk to the safety of those on board the aircraft and those involved in its operation and maintenance. The Clean Skies project SEWIS has been focused on the development of methods to ensure the safe operation of the electrical interconnection systems used on board an aircraft (considering issues such as direct contact with a live conductor, exposure to high levels of electric / magnetic fields and the impact that arcs could have on adjacent systems / a composite airframe). This paper will report on the progress that the project has made to understand the failure modes associated with the use of high voltage wiring systems and the opportunities that exist to monitor the electrical system in a manner that gives early indication of such failures taking place. The design of a custom cable and connector system for use in both DC and AC systems will be discussed alongside simulation results derived from finite element analysis and electrical network simulation that highlight the challenges involved in detecting failure.