Power management and distribution system for a more-electric aircraft (MADMEL)-program status

A number of technology breakthroughs in recent years have rekindled the concept of a more-electric aircraft. High-power solid-state switching devices, electrohydrostatic actuators (EHAs), electromechanical actuators (EMAs) and high-speed generators are just a few examples of component developments that have made dramatic improvements in properties such as weight, size, power and cost. However, these components cannot be applied piecemeal. A complete, and somewhat revolutionary, system design approach is needed to exploit the benefits that a more-electric aircraft can provide. This paper presents an overview of the five-phase power management and distribution system for a more-electric aircraft (MADMEL) program and a top-level summary of the program results, development and testing of major components to date.