Power Transfer Protocol for Variable Frequency Aircraft Electrical Power System
Modern aircraft depend on increasingly complex electrical systems that demand precision, safety, and innovation. As aviation technology evolves, so too does the challenge of ensuring continuous, reliable power under all operating conditions.
This lecture takes a closer look at how engineers are meeting these challenges—developing smarter control systems and fault-tolerant architectures that keep critical systems powered, no matter the circumstances. Attendees will gain insight into how advanced modeling, intelligent algorithms, and robust communication between control units are transforming the way electrical power is managed in today’s aircraft.
Join us to learn how cutting-edge research and design are shaping the next generation of aerospace electrical systems—where safety, reliability, and innovation take flight.
Abstract:
Since the early days, when an AC-type generator became a primary source of electrical power for all aircraft systems, the demand for electrical power has steadily grown. Following rapid technology and scientific advancement in the aerospace industry, the complexity and criticality of all aircraft systems have increased to the point where multiple independent and isolated electrical power sources are required. In such an environment with two or more variable frequency AC-type generators that can be simultaneously activated to provide electrical power to aircraft power distribution system, a safe power transfer process becomes a major priority. It means that any two independent aircraft AC power sources with different frequencies or phase angles cannot be connected simultaneously to the common power bus. For that purpose, a power transfer protocol has been developed to prevent any aircraft parallel power sourcing and to provide reliable AC generator connection to the single or multiple aircraft power busses. This article presents one approach to the aircraft power transfer protocol, design, and implementation. Going further and considering the possibility that a specific group of hardware-type system failures can prevent power transfer in one particular aircraft bus power configuration, a presented algorithm includes an additional logic decision structure permitting safe and reliable power transfer for a limited type of failure conditions. An algorithm for a power transfer protocol has been allocated to the Generator Control Unit. The protocol itself relies on data communication between the Bus Power Control Unit and Generator Control Unit through analog discrete and digital bus communication interfaces. A SIMULINK model has been created to demonstrate a normal and a single-failure power transfer process. With time sequences, simulation results are included to illustrate that the presented power transfer protocol is fault-tolerant and independent from aircraft power distribution architecture.
Date and Time
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- 1300 N 97th St
- Seattle, Washington
- United States 98103
- Building: Seattle City Light
- Click here for Map
- Starts 24 October 2025 07:00 AM UTC
- Ends 19 November 2025 01:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Neno Novakovic of Collins Aerospace
Biography:
Mr. Novakovic has more than 30 years of experience in various aircraft systems design, integration, testing, and certification. In 2009, he joined Collins Aerospace, an RTX business unit, and since then, he has been developing electric power systems for major commercial programs, including Boeing 787, 777X, Airbus A350, Bombardier A220, Embraer E2, COMAC 919, and Irkut MC21. In recent years, his focus has been on Aircraft Electrical Power System and Secondary Power Distribution Optimization, where he has contributed with several U.S. patents and technical publications. His technical articles are published in SAE Aerospace journals and presented at international conferences and seminars. Recently, as a part-time lecturer, he has been teaching electrical engineering at the University of Washington.