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Review of Electric Machines in More-/Hybrid-/Turbo-Electric Aircraft | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Review of Electric Machines in More-/Hybrid-/Turbo-Electric Aircraft


Abstract:

Aircraft electrification is currently the best alternative to address the rising demand for more air transportation and deal with anticipated economic and environmental i...Show More

Abstract:

Aircraft electrification is currently the best alternative to address the rising demand for more air transportation and deal with anticipated economic and environmental impacts. Although the all-electric-aircraft (AEA) concept is not yet a feasible solution, the more-electric aircraft (MEA) is gaining significant attention. Electrical systems either partially or entirely replace the large and inefficient hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical conventional aircraft actuating systems. The upgrade could also encompass the propulsion system, as in hybrid- and turbo-electric aircraft. This upgrade reduces the aircraft weight, reduces the usage of pollutant fluids, increases fuel efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and increases aircraft controllability and reliability. This article reviews various application areas of electric machines in electrified aircraft, such as actuation, taxiing, propulsion, and generation. Moreover, it reviews the main types of currently/to be utilized electric machines and the critically required specifications. Finally, a comparison between the different considered machines and potential future research is discussed.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification ( Volume: 7, Issue: 4, December 2021)
Page(s): 2976 - 3005
Date of Publication: 15 June 2021

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I. Introduction

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is more mandatory now than before. The aviation sector contributes significantly to these emissions, where the sector CO2 emissions resembled 2.2% of the global CO2 emissions in 2017 [1]; 97% of the aviation CO2 emissions are generated by the aircraft jet fuel [1], whose consumption reached 7% of world oil products in 2015 [2]. Jet fuel powers conventional aircraft via aeroengines. This power mainly produces the propulsive thrust, but a nonnegligible fraction is converted to four other forms [3], [4].

Pneumatic power provides energy to the environmental control system (ECS) compressor. Besides, it supplies hot air to the wing anti-icing (WAI) systems, which prevents the atmospheric ice from building up on the wings.

Mechanical power runs the main electrical generator and the central hydraulic pumps. It is also converted to the following forms.

Hydraulic power powers the actuation systems of most of the aircraft’s primary/secondary control surfaces in addition to the landing gears [3], [4].

Electric power runs the avionics, fuel pumps, lighting, communications, passenger comfort systems, cargo heaters, galley ovens, and other loads.

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