UC3M | Detecting Electric Arcs in Hybrid Aircraft Using Artificial Intelligence

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One of the main strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the commercial aerospace sector is the move toward more electric aircraft (MEA) and fully electric aircraft (AEA). This transition is based on increasing the levels of electric power to supply both electric propulsion and auxiliary systems. Today’s aircraft operate with power levels in the hundreds of kilowatts, but future designs are expected to exceed 2 megawatts for MEA and even 10 megawatts for AEA. This significant increase in electrical power requires raising the voltage by more than 300% , which can lead to ionization problems in low-pressure environments, such as those found at high altitudes. To address this challenge, the Department of Electrical Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (DIE-UC3M), in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space (ADS), is taking part in the European HECATE project. The goal is to develop an early warning system that can detect critical ionization effects caused by the higher voltage levels, using artificial intelligence techniques. As part of this initiative, a hands-on demonstration will be presented to explain the foundations of the detection system. The activity will cover the nature of the problem, how electric arcs are generated, how a specially designed sensor is used to detect them, how data is collected to train the artificial intelligence, and how AI is applied to identify these electric arcs effectively. The explanation is intended to be accessible and engaging for all audiences.


This activity is carried out within the framework of the HECATE project (Hybrid-electric regional aircraft distribution technologies), funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101101961 - HECATE. The views and opinions expressed during the activity do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU). Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The activity is supported by CAJU and its members. https://hecate-project.eu/