Monitoring in smart multi-lane torque summed electromechanical actuators

High integrity in multi-lane smart electromechanical actuation systems is achieved through hardware redundancy and intelligent monitoring. The main aim of this paper is to address cross-monitoring in single-type torque-summed architecture. The paper will consider hardware cross-monitoring, in three-phase equivalents that represent the brushless dc motor in this architecture, hence allowing for detailed motor and power conditioner failure related tests. The presented analysis is based around a 4-lane actuation system capable of driving aerodynamic and inertial loads (with 2 lanes failed) of an aileron control surface similar to that of the Sea Harrier. The paper will start by giving a brief history of major contributions to state of the art actuation systems. Then the paper will proceed in describing the lanes and the dedicated embed microprocessor/s performing control and comprehensive monitoring tasks. The paper will describe a hardware-cross monitoring technique evaluating local response to failures and their impact on the overall aircraft response in roll and roll rate. The paper will conclude that the current design meets the local and global system requirements.