Overview
The Multi Layer Cable Model MultiCaB project proposal aimed to research and develop advanced parametric power cable models for aeronautical applications, specifically, thermo electric Wing Ice Protection Systems, WIPS.
Apart from basic voltage and current analysis, models must allow to simulate and study high frequency effects, such as skin and proximity effects, standing waves and resonances, conductive and isolation losses and temperature effects. Two different layers of the model, which are related to result accuracy and computational burden, were considered in the project.
To implement the model, it was proposed a lumped parameters based model, which are frequency dependents, that must replicate the frequency response of the full cable for all the frequencies of interest. It means that not only the fundamental frequency had been taken into account in the model simulation, but also harmonics, switching frequency and high frequencies due to rise and fall at the power converter must be considered for the complete results.
A specific research in cable models and high frequency effects, a powerful methodology based on experimental measurements and if proceed, FEM simulations, and experimental validation of developed models and methodologies were performed in the project.
A proper management, a well-defined topic manager relationship and an adequate consideration of intellectual property rights and exploitation were included in the proposal.
The project was presented by researches and technicians from the MCIA Research Center of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (www.mcia.upc.edu), with probed experience in high frequency modelling of electric and electronics components and power electronics applications and control, as well as in European projects' management and execution.
Funding
Results
Executive Summary:
The aircraft systems use converters to drive power loads such as motors and other high-power loads such as resistive heaters for anti-icing and de-icing in thermo electric Wing Ice Protection Systems, WIPS.
The power cables used for transmitting energy cover a wide frequency range up to several hundreds of Hertz. The power cable currently used have cylindrical conductor part which, taking into account skin effect are not optimized for a weight. However, high frequency signals due to power converters are also transmitted by power cable and more specifically to switching frequency on the level of the order of several tens of kHz, together very high frequency harmonics due to switches turn-on, which are the reason for standing waves and resonances. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a precise model taking into account various phenomena that appear when the frequency increases.
In this context, the Multi Layer Cable Model (MultiCaB) project have researched and developed advanced parametric power cable models for aeronautical applications, specifically, thermo electric WIPS. Apart from basic voltage and current analysis, models allow simulating and studying high frequency effects, such as skin and proximity effects, standing waves and resonances, conductive and isolation losses and temperature effects. Two different layers of the model, which are related to accuracy of results and computational burden, have been considered in the project.
To implement the model a lumped parameters-based model has been used, which are frequency dependent and must replicate the frequency response of the full cable for all the frequencies of interest. It means that not only the fundamental frequency has to be taken into account in the model simulation, but also harmonics, switching frequency and high frequencies due to rise and fall at the power converter must be considered for the complete results.
Taking into account these conditions, a specific research in cable models and high frequency effects, a powerful methodology based on experimental measurements and if appropriate, FEM simulations, and experimental validation of developed models and methodologies have been performed in the project.
The MultiCaB project has been developed by researches and technicians from the MCIA Research Center of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (www.mcia.upc.edu), with proven experience in high frequency modelling of electric and electronics components and power electronics applications and control, as well as in European projects' management and execution. MCIA researchers have worked together the Topic Manager, towards the best tool for the aforementioned cable models.
A proper management, a well-defined topic manager relationship and an adequate consideration of intellectual property rights and exploitation have been also implemented during the project.
Results are aligned with expectations, and a powerful tool for cable design and cable model in WISP applications is now available.