Defining Requirements for the Implementation of Interconnected Generation in Future Civil Aircraft

In addition to providing thrust, the engines on conventional civil jet airliners generate power for on-board systems and ancillary loads in the form of pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical power. Reduced fuel-burn and efficiency targets have driven the move towards More Electric Aircraft (MEA) technology which seeks to replace hydraulic and pneumatic loads with electrical equivalents. This technological shift, in conjunction with a growing electrical power load per passenger in general, has greatly increased the electrical power demands of aircraft in recent years - over 1 MVA for the Boeing 787 for example. With increasing fuel prices, there is a growing need to optimise efficiency of power extraction from the aircraft engines for the electrical system and loads. In particular, the utilisation of multi-shaft power off-takes, interconnected generation and power sharing between shafts is thought to offer potentially significant engine operability and fuel efficiency benefits. This paper will consider the benefits afforded by interconnected generation and discuss the challenges associated with achieving this goal. The paper concludes by proposing requirements for the implementation of a “more-interconnected” aircraft electric system.