Variable-Voltage Bus Concept for Aircraft Electrical Power System

This paper deals with the innovative “variable-voltage” bus concept for future more-electric aircraft platforms. Using new functionalities and opportunities offered by innovative sources actively controlled by power electronics, there is an opportunity for a significant increase of their output power (within powertrain capabilities, machine thermal limits, and power converter maximum current) to supply increased load demands under certain conditions. This paper investigates applications of this concept to satisfy power demands for the wing ice-protection system for business jet. The study includes a detailed study into the control challenges of the proposed approach and suggests corresponding theoretical solutions. Furthermore, the controller design aspects are explored with considerations to achieve stable operation. The concept is tested in simulation environment and validated through experimental studies. This paper might be of interest for the researchers and engineers focused on innovative solutions for future aircraft platforms.