Title :
Reliable electro-mechanical actuators in aircraft
Author :
Garcia, A. ; Cusid, I. ; Rosero, J.A. ; Ortega, J.A. ; Romeral, L.
Author_Institution :
Electron. Eng. Dept., UPC, Terrassa
Abstract :
There is a general trend in the aerospace industry toward increasing the use of electrically-powered equipment. This trend is usually referred to as "Power-by-Wire" in the "More Electric Aircraft" (MEA) concept and it leads, among others, to the substitution of hydraulic actuators by electro-mechanical actuators (EMA). Its benefits are a decrease in maintenance effort and weight, and an increase in efficiency. However, jamming case obstacles stop the massive use of EMAs in flight-control actuators. The aim herein is to introduce the safety needs of electro-mechanical actuators in aircraft applications, and Its major goal is to present the suitability and reliability of such actuator systems, including electric motors and power converters.
Keywords :
aerospace safety; aircraft power systems; electric actuators; electric motors; electrical safety; electromechanical effects; power convertors; power system reliability; More Electric Aircraft concept; aerospace industry; electric motors; electrically-powered equipment; flight-control actuators; power converters; power-by-wire; reliable electro-mechanical actuators; safety needs; Aerospace control; Aerospace electronics; Aerospace engineering; Aircraft propulsion; Costs; Fasteners; Hydraulic actuators; Hydraulic systems; Jamming; Power system reliability;
Journal_Title :
Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/MAES.2008.4607895