In today’s aircraft, all on-board systems are supplied by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric energy. For decades, however, there has been a development trend leading towards “More Electric Aircraft”. This term refers to architectures, where hydraulically or pneumatically driven on-board systems are re- placed by electrically driven systems. The SR institute develops methods and tools for the model-based design, optimization, assessment, and control of such systems.
The use of electro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic actuation systems in flight control calls for very reliable detection of potential faults. To this end, fault-detection algorithms are developed that are based on versatile models of faulty components. These models and algorithms are validated using a corresponding test rig.
The thermal system of an aircraft comprises the environmental control system, the bleed air system, the ram-air channel as well as the air distribution. With a higher degree of electrification, the cooling of the avionics also takes on increasing importance. For this purpose, in cooperation with Airbus, a set of pre-design tools is being developed and continuously enhanced.
Given the higher degree of electrification, weight and reliability of the electrical components is of increasing importance. To this end, the SR institute developed tools for modelling and optimization of electrical architectures as well as for safety and reliability analysis of these systems. Furthermore, model libraries are being created for the detailed design, test, and integration of electrical components.
Optimal control strategies are of particular importance for high energy efficiency and the sizing of aircraft systems. Hence, energy management algorithms increase efficiency at each operating point by optimally distributing the sources of thermal or electric power. In addition, the energy management enables sizing of system components with realistic load profiles. This leads to a significant reduction of system weight...
The assessment of new technologies at aircraft level, especially regarding the quantification of economic and eco- logical benefits is of high relevance. The institute develops multi-physical model libraries and methods to get tools for comprehensive gate-to-gate mission simulations. In this way, novel technologies such as an electrified landing gear or a hybrid-electric power train can be assessed and optimized under realistic conditions at an early stage of the design process.