Parasitic stray current and related problems in aerospace applications

Purpose and goal

The project is a feasibility study with the aim of mapping how problems with bearing currents can affect electric drivetrains, power generation and motors for actuators in future aircraft, as well as whether the phenomenon of bearing currents and its occurrence can be linked to electromagnetic emissions. In this way, the Swedish aviation industry´s competence in the area is strengthened, and the conditions for in-depth cooperation between the project partners are created. The goal is to compile the information in a final report containing both mechanical and electronic aspects.

Expected effects and result

Projektet är indelat i tre arbetspaket. I det första analyseras maskinkomponenter från industriföretagen för att undersöka graden av skador uppkomna av läckströmmar. I samma arbetspaket identifieras risker i den mekaniska konstruktionen med avseende på läckströmmar. I det andra arbetspaketet analyseras de elektroniska systemen med avseende på lagerskador pga läckströmmar och en experimentuppställning för lagerströmmar tas fram. I ett tredje arbetspaket diskuteras möjligheter för minskning och eliminering av lagerströmmar i system från de första abetspaketen.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is divided into three work packages. In the first, machine components from the industrial companies are analyzed to investigate the degree of damage caused by leakage currents. Furthermore, risks in the mechanical design are identified with regards to leakage currents. In the second work package, the electronic systems are analyzed with regards to bearing damage due to leakage currents and an experimental setup for bearing currents is developed. The third work package discusses possibilities for reduction and elimination of bearing currents in the studies systems.