Power and protection considerations for TeDP microgrid systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight and discuss the unique safety and protection requirements for the electrical microgrid system in a turboelectric distributed propulsion aircraft. Design/methodology/approach – The NASA N3-X concept aircraft requirements were considered. The TeDP system was decomposed into three subsystems: turbogenerator, distribution system and propulsors. Unique considerations for each of these subsystems were identified. Findings – The fail-safe requirements for a TeDP system require a divergence from the standard safety case used for conventional propulsion systems. Advantages in flight control and single-engine-out scenarios can be realized using TeDP. Additionally, a targeted use of energy storage and reconfigurability may enable seamless response to propulsion systems failures. Practical implications – The concepts discussed in this paper will assist to guide the early conceptual and preliminary design and evaluation of TeDP architectures. Originality/value – The safety case for TeDP architectures is currently immature. The work presented here acts to frame some of the major issues when designing, evaluating and verifying TeDP conceptual architectures.