Implementation of a 200 kW Adaptable Testing Platform for Experimental Research in Electrification of Aircraft Propulsion

Abstract

The continuous growth of the commercial aviation industry requires the development of novel technologies to reduce its increasing impact on climate change. Technical solutions, such as the electrification of aircraft propulsion require extensive research and exhaustive testing to reach the required levels of performance, reliability, and safety. Therefore, the development of these new technologies requires new testing infrastructure that is technically suitable for this purpose. In this report we present a fully implemented platform intended to test electrified aircraft propulsion systems at up to 1 kV and 200 kW. This platform is designed to be adaptable to multiple testing needs and system configurations, such as fully-electric, turboelectric and hybrid-electric. The adaptability and strategic value of this platform is demonstrated through experimental results and performance assessment of an electric engine under test. Results include the operational envelope where at 2700 RPM, the electric engine can provide 71.6 kW of propulsive power to an aircraft at 95% efficiency. Additionally, results for performance at 30 kW constant power and a flight mission profile with an emulated 128 Wh/Kg LiFePO4 battery pack are presented. The development of tests for certification of electric engines also demonstrate the relevance of the platform.