Comparison of All-Electric Secondary Power Systems for Civil Transport

Three separate studies have shown operational, weight and cost advantages for commercial subsonic transport aircraft using an all-electric secondary power system. The first study in 1982 showed that the all-electric secondary power system produced the second largest benefit compared to four other technology upgrades. The second study in 1985 showed a 10 percent weight and fuel savings using an all-electric high frequency (20 kHz) secondary power system. The last study in 1991 showed a 2 percent weight savings using today's technology (400 Hz) in an all-electric secondary power system.

This paper will compare the 20 kHz and 400 Hz studies, analyze the 2 to 10 percent difference in weight savings and comment on the common benefits of the all-electric secondary power system.