A novel multi-level electro-mechanical actuator virtual testing and analysis tool

The electrification of the modern aircraft and helicopters, by means of the adoption of electromechanical actuators (EMAs), represents a step in the direction of a more energy efficient transportation system. Simulation tools capable of analyzing EMAs performance and exploring different design configurations facilitate such a process. In this context, a virtual testing and analysis tool for EMAs, developed within the framework of the European project Actuation 2015, is presented. The proposed tool addresses the electric drives components (i.e. permanent magnet machines and power converters) and has been implemented using Modelica, as modelling language, and Dymola, as simulation environment. In order to minimize the models complexity, a multi-level approach has been adopted. In this paper, an overview of the physical effects considered at each model level is provided, together with the analysis of an EMA study case. The presented simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed virtual testing and analysis tool.