Aircraft Electrical Power Systems Prognostics and Health Management (AEPHM)

Military and commercial aircraft and ground vehicles are increasingly dependent on electrical power. New military, commercial and space vehicles rely on electrical power in whole or in part for such flight critical systems such as flight control and fuel. Digitally controlled power distribution systems as well as the digital controllers within these systems provide an unprecedented, affordable and inherent opportunity to monitor electrically powered vehicle systems health. This digital data provides component operating signatures to the system, thereby enabling advanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. These capabilities can be leveraged to ensure a high mission reliability rate as well as reduce life cycle ownership costs. The Aircraft Electrical Power Systems Prognostics and Health Management (AEPHM) program being worked by Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), Boeing and Smiths Aerospace is developing prognostics and health management (diagnostics, prognostics and decision aids) for electrical power systems. The electrical systems being addressed include electric actuation, fuel pumps/valves and wiring. Progress is described in the following areas: the development of a cost/benefit analysis; the identification of degraded modes for diagnostics and prognostics; the generation of test data to characterize degraded systems; and the development of algorithms for system health management to support maintenance and operational decision-making. AEPHM is a Dual Use Science and Technology (DUS&T) program sponsored by AFRL at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.