Efficient and Light Electrical Compressor for Tilt-Rotor Aircraft

The main objectives of the proposed ELECTRA project are:

1. The development of an optimal architecture for a bleedless cabin pressurization system (CPS)
2. The development, manufacturing, test and qualification of CPS hardware suitable for flight testing on the next-generation tiltrotor technology demonstrator

To achieve the objectives, ELECTRA will:

1. Set up a simulation platform
2. Perform system-level and equipment-level trade-off analyses
3. Develop equipment hardware: cabin pressure management system, electrical compressor, electronic control unit and its firmware, outflow valve and several other system components
4. Develop a test rig for hardware testing, emulating the cabin pressurization system, and test the developed hardware
5. Develop a prototype qualification unit and perform environmental qualification tests
6. Develop a prototype flight unit, cleared for flight on the next-generation tiltrotor technology demonstrator

ELECTRA contributes to task 1.6.3 of the Joint Technology Programme, “Pressurization and Environmental Control System Components Design, Manufacturing and Testing”, by contributing to these JTP objectives:

• Reduction of carbon emissions through improved energy efficiency
• Reduced cost of ownership
• European industrial leadership on ‘Smart, Green and Integrated Transport’
• Improving mobility through new mobility concepts (more flexible, resilient, effective and affordable)
• Spin-off from research innovation activities to other aircraft