More electric — Ready for take off?

It is clear that the world is becoming more reliant on electrical power. The enabling technologies that underpin that reliance are developing at a pace. Many of these technologies are now at a level where their reliability and that of the systems of which they form a part, can realistically be used in application where long term reliability is a key requirement. Hence they can offer a real alternative to the traditional mechanically based systems that companies such as Rolls-Royce are renowned for. Many of the business sectors within which Rolls-Royce operates are now considering the potential offered by electrically powered systems. This paper collects views on the applicability of electrical technologies to such business sectors and considers how they should be deployed, particularly taking note of the system level interactions which must be considered to deliver a more optimised function.