The laboratory studies innovative systems for electrifying the aircraft of the future, in line with the decarbonisation goals of the New European Green Deal. The research focuses not only on propulsion, but also on the integration of equipment such as landing gear. To this end, it has developed algorithms and models for managing the energy distribution system and for analysing and modelling components such as electrochemical energy storage, hydrogen storage and handling, fuel cells, electrical machines, and temperature management systems. The laboratory is currently investigating the improvement of several key performance indicators, including power and energy density, safety and reliability, efficiency, and integration for each of these components. To assess the impact, challenges, and feasibility of hybrid-electric platforms, it uses the electricity grid model and all its subcomponents, integrating a digital twinning platform. Most of the challenges in this field are shared by civil systems and certain military systems, as the management of high levels of power and energy on board civil aircraft is comparable to that of the highly electrified fighter aircraft of the future.
Advanced Power & Energy Systems
Search Areas
Innovative aircraft: conceptual and preliminary design
We carry out preliminary studies of the capabilities and limits of electric and hybrid/electric propulsion applied to aircraft.
Innovative powertrain design
We identify requirements for powertrain architectures based on current existing studies.
Energy & power management
We develop electricity management strategies adaptable to hybrid/electric aircraft.
E-distribution
We work on the design and control of high-power smart power grids.
Thermal management and cooling technologies
We study and model innovative solutions for the management of waste heat generated by inefficiencies in electrical components.
Batteries
We analyse and evaluate the suitability of electrochemical energy storage devices for aeronautical applications, including modelling, integration, and packaging issues.
Fuel cells
We study innovative fuel cell solutions suitable for application to electric aircraft.
Hydrogen storage
We study solutions for the storage and management of hydrogen on board, in both liquid and gaseous form under high pressure, and design innovative solutions for storing chemicals.
Electric machine
We identify and select types of machines with high power density and high efficiency, for use in both generation and propulsion of highly electrified aircraft.
Power electronics
We identify, select and model power electronics converters and their control algorithm on the basis of a specific electrical power grid architecture.