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The paper presents methodology of early system validation for architecture of a modular controller through modeling and rapid prototyping techniques in a real time operating environment. The real time operating environment was used in development of a secondary electric power system (SEPDS) with solid state power controller (SSPC) technology. The System consists of multiple Line Replacement Units (LRUs) distributed across the aircraft; each LRU implements distributed controls with a modular configuration, named Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs). During the phase of redesign of the control architecture a real-time control using XPC target was developed. The challenges include interfacing the re-designed LRM with the existing backbone hardware and maintaining interface consistency for seamless exchange of the old hardware with new one.

In recent years, More-Electric and All-Electric Architectures are being adopted extensively for next generation of aircraft. In this new architecture, many systems rely primarily on the use of electrical energy. Hence, there is a significant increase in the demand of electrical energy that is managed by the electric power system of the aircraft. A significant increase in demand of electrical power is also observed during recent years of aircraft development. In the More-Electric Architecture, aircraft systems are heavily dependent on electric energy. This fact results in higher extraction of mechanical power from the engine via power take off shafts as opposed to energy extraction via bleed air. The balance of extracted energies has shifted from pneumatic extraction to mechanical extraction and conversion into electrical power. The transition to the use of increased levels of electrical power leads to increased complexity and criticality of the electrical system of the aircraft.

The temperature and velocity field variations of ventilation flow in the passenger compartment were measured simultaneously by using a digital image processing technique. A 1/10 scale vehicle was used for panel-vent mode heating. Micro-encapsulated TLC (Thermochromic Liquid Crystal) particles were used as a reliable tracer for temperature and velocity measurement. Particle color images captured with a 3 CCD (Charge Coupled Device) color video camera were used for calculating the velocity and temperature fields at the same time. To measure the temperature field variations, the HSI (Hue, Saturation, Intensity) true color image processing of TLC particles was applied to the TLC color images. A 2-frame particle tracking velocimetry using the concept of match probability between two consequent image frames was applied to the TLC particle displacements in order to measure the velocity field variations in the passenger compartment.