Ceit in POWER4AIR to develop the next generation of high-efficiency power electronics for clean aviation

Decarbonizing air travel requires the development of new technologies capable of increasing aircraft energy efficiency and reducing both their weight and their power consumption. In this context, Ceit in POWER4AIR (High-Voltage Power Electronics for Clean Aviation), a project that will develop innovative high-voltage power electronics solutions to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable, safe, and efficient aviation industry.

The initiative is funded by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, within the framework European Union’s Horizon Europe program, and goal a new generation of electric systems for commercial and regional aircraft. To this end, the project technologies that enable more reliable, lightweight, and efficient electric propulsion—a core topic element core topic the electrification of the aviation sector.

POWER4AIR will address some of the key technological challenges associated with aerospace power electronics through four research lines of research : the development advanced reliability models for silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors; the early detection of critical phenomena such as electric arcs and partial discharges; the design high-power-density active filters; and the optimization of high-performance magnetic components.

As a final demonstration, all of these innovations will be integrated into a 250-kW high-power-density converter, which will allow their performance to be validated under conditions representative of actual aircraft operation.

Additive Manufacturing to Reduce Weight and Increase Power Density

Within the consortium, Ceit a key role in the development high-density inductive components using additive manufacturing technologies. The technology center will design and manufacture coils with complex geometries that allow for integrated liquid cooling to be incorporated directly into the component’s structure.

This approach makes it possible to significantly increase the current density that magnetic components can handle, reducing their weight by more than 80%—a key factor in improving the energy efficiency and performance of electrical systems on board aircraft.

In addition, Ceit advanced health monitoring systems to monitor the health status of SiC-based converters in real time. These solutions will enable the early detection of potential degradation or failures, thereby increasing the reliability, availability safety of electronic systems throughout their entire service life.

A European consortium to advance the future of aviation

The project carried out in partnership a multidisciplinary European consortium multidisciplinary Skylife Engineering, IRT Antoine de Saint Exupéry (IRTSE), Fraunhofer, SINTEF Energy, ATR, ST Microelectronics, Carlos III University of Madrid, the University of Seville, Ascendance, and Ceit, which will contribute complementary expertise to develop and validate innovative power electronics solutions for future electric and hybrid aircraft.