Overview
Aircraft manufacturers are continuously seeking for decreasing their CO2 emissions and trying to make flights more efficient and eco-friendlier. As part of this searching one major warhorse is the drag reduction during flight; One of this systems is the Laminar Flow Control LFC, where Hybrid Laminar Flow Control (HLFC) is included. Classic systems as IPS and shielding systems have to coexist with the new HLFC system in a much-reduced allocation space.
Towards the new generation of more efficient aircraft the use of More Electric Aircraft (MEA) is increasing during the recent years and modern aircrafts such as Airbus A350 and especially Boeing 787 are mounting more electrical systems.
This project faces two challenges. Firstly, to develop an electrical harness for power feed and monitoring systems of the HLFC, and secondly to develop an innovative way of carrying electricity in an aircraft to solve the big problem of lack of space in the leading edge where these HLFC systems operate. Regarding the first challenge IcePass proposal includes a detailed study of the new routings, with selection of components, and application of additive manufacturing technologies for brackets, in order to fulfil the complex space requirements of HLFC. For the second challenge IcePass proposes an innovative flat harness concept with application of 3d printing technology which will solve the space problem in the L/E and make possible an HLFC system. What is more, IcePass proposes as well an innovative way of routing harnesses through mechanisms, and particularly for the actuation system, by application of slip rings.
Solving both challenges, IcePass will manage to design and manufacture the electrical system of the HLFC thanks to the application of innovative wiring system concept which will change the state of the art in aerospace industry and manage to achieve the bigger MEA challenge.