IEET: iTherNet (BMWK)

Research Project

iTherNet

Intelligent Thermal Networks - New cooling technologies and energy-optimized operating concepts

Abstract

The increasing electrification of all aircraft systems in general and the powertrain in particular creates an increasing demand for distributed cooling power within a commercial aircraft. This distributed power and the close coupling of the required power of electrical consumers with the accruing cooling power suggests an aircraft-wide optimization of the operation of all electrified systems and the cooling system. Within the scope of the project, fault-tolerant and thermally optimal operating concepts are therefore to be researched on the basis of a given electrical system architecture and a previously optimized thermal system architecture. The prerequisite for this is the evaluation of available and new technologies, the precise analysis of all relevant electrical, pneumatic, mechanical and possibly already existing communication couplings of the systems, and the creation of suitable models that represent all relevant system functionalities and couplings in a stationary and dynamic manner. Especially on the side of the electrical energy system, the loss performances of the electrical components and their efficiency increase potential are to be examined in detail. As a result, the project will deliver not only optimal operating concepts but also multifunctional overall system models that can be used for further operational optimization. At present, the project is focusing on the powertrain. A fuel cell as the primary energy supplier forms the overall drive system together with an electric motor and a power electronic converter.