Effects of electrical power off-take on finite inertia mechanical systems

The impact of the onboard electrical power system on the operation of the mechanical prime mover, for example an aircraft gas-engine, is examined through experimental testing on a 100kW aircraft power system facility. Hardware-in-the-loop techniques are used to control two motor drives such that they emulate the dynamic characteristics of the shafts in an aircraft engine. Electrical generators are driven by the shafts and loaded with representative, highly dynamic, power system load profiles, including actuators, landing gear and avionics. The effects of electrical transients on the shaft torques are examined to demonstrate how an electrical energy storage system can mitigate load transients on the engine. Also, the use of generator power sharing algorithms is assessed.