Concept Studies on a Multifunctional Unit for Hydraulic Supply and High Lift Actuation in Aircraft

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of a new functionality of the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU) in zonal electrohydraulic aircraft systems. The conventional PCU, as a hydraulic consumer, is the central drive for the leading and trailing edge flaps of an aircraft. Through extended functionality, it can also be operated as pump to provide hydraulic power in certain flight phases. The paper elaborates and presents different concepts for the integration of such a multifunctional PCU and evaluates the potential regarding mass savings and improvement of reliability. In subsequent simulation studies, the most promising concept is validated and analysed regarding the arising challenges.