Optimal design of aircraft through energy management

Purpose and goal

The project’s purpose is to develop methods and understand how to design energy efficient aircraft. The technology includes both how to design an efficient system architecture by balancing different energy sources and needs depending on the operational capability, and how to generate, distribute, and utilize power efficiently. The goal is to understand the benefit with including energy management in the early design phase through modelling and simulation case studies and testing in the Iron Bird at the university.

Expected effects and result

The trend in the defense industry is an increased need for more power and cooling to supply both sensors and effectors. It is thus important to efficiently handle large power flows to reduce heat generation, reduce weight, increase resilience, and maximize the operational capability. Both future fighter systems and existing platforms could benefit from the technology. There are also potential benefits for civil applications in terms of reduced fuel consumption and increased safety. The project looks at important topics to increase the understanding and develop design methods.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is a collaboration between Saab Aeronautics and Linköping University. The majority of the work is done by a PhD student with support from senior researches to increase the competence in the research area. A close collaboration is guaranteed through the senior researcher’s dual employment at both Saab and LiU where industrial needs are captured and results disseminated. Development of new methods to include energy management in the early design phase is done through a model-based approach. Experimental work will be done in the test rig developed in earlier projects.