Simulation and hardware validation of methods for synchronization of central-converter multi-motor electric actuation systems
Date
2023
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Abstract
Replacement of previously hydraulic and pneumatic drives with power-electronic drive systems to reduce weight and maintenance requirements is a current target of research in the aerospace industry. This includes electrification of thrust reverser actuation systems (TRAS), which redirect thrust produced by the aircraft's engines to aid with deceleration upon landing, reducing wear on the brakes. However, one challenge of developing an electromagnetic TRAS (EM-TRAS) is the requirement of speed and position synchronization of all motors in the system, despite unequal torque loading from differing wind forces. Use of a single ("central") power electronic converter to power a set of induction machines in parallel could potentially lower cost and weight requirements compared to the use of separate converters, but such a central-converter, multi-motor (CCMM) architecture requires some form of compensation for load torque differences. Previous research presented a synchronization methodology using closed-loop feedback control of variable stator resistances in parallel with each induction machine. This thesis builds on this research by presenting an alternative methodology that instead applies closed-loop feedback control to smaller-scale auxiliary converters for each motor line, coupled to the induction machines using transformers to apply adjustments to the stator voltage. This new methodology achieves similar synchronization performance with better energy efficiency, lowering power requirements for its use compared to the external resistance methodology. The author's contributions to construction of a testbed for aerospace actuation system research are also presented in this thesis, with applications including hardware validation of the external resistance CCMM EM-TRAS implementation.
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Subject
electrification
more electric aircraft
thrust reverser actuation system
induction machines
central-converter multi-motor
synchronization