Technical Paper
Power Management and Distribution System for a More-Electric Aircraft (MADMEL) - Program Status
1999-08-02
1999-01-2547
A number of technology breakthroughs in the past ten years rekindled the concept of a more-electric aircraft. High-power solid-state switching devices, electrohydro-static actuators (EHAs), electromechanical actuators (EMAs), and high-speed generators are just a few examples of component developments. These developments have made dramatic improvements in properties such as weight, size, power, and cost. However, these components cannot be applied piecemeal. A complete, and somewhat revolutionary, system design approach was needed to exploit the benefits that a more-electric aircraft can provide. Traditional-mounted auxiliary drives, and bleed air extraction will disappear, to be replaced with integral engine starter/generators and electrically driven actuators and pumps. A five-phase Power Management and Distribution System for a More-Electric Aircraft (MADMEL) program was awarded by the Air Force to Northrop/Grumman Military Aircraft Division in September 1991.
