Power Absorption Characterisation of Electro-Mechanical Flight Control Actuators via Detailed System Modelling

The paper deals with the modelling of electromechanical flight actuators for power absorption studies. The recent trend to the electrification of all aircraft systems actually arises challenging issues about the management of the on-board power, with a strong need of accurate systems’ models. One of the key engineering concerns is to define the modelling detail that is adequate for power characterisation. In this paper, two models of an electro-mechanical actuator for flight controls are developed: a detailed one, created in the AMESim environment, that includes the simulation of all system parts (3-phase brushless motor, mechanical transmission, PWM power electronics and control electronics), and a simplified Simulink model. The transient and the steady-state actuator power absorptions during a sample flight manoeuvre are evaluated, highlighting and discussing the importance of a detailed modelling for a complete characterisation of the electrical energy requests.