Multi-Objective Optimization for Aircraft Power Systems Using a Network Graph Representation

Today, the electrification of flight is more popular than ever, creating a wide array of concept aircraft and associated power system topologies. In order to gain insights into benefits of these varying architectures, this article introduces the development of a framework for electric aircraft power system (EAPS) optimization. The proposed framework accepts inputs from a designer in the form of component parameters and desired flight mission characteristics. A collective graph representing many possible architectures is formed, from which subgraphs that describe power system topologies meeting the flight requirements are extracted and analyzed. Optimal EAPS architectures with respect to goals of minimizing mass while maximizing efficiency and reliability can be subsequently selected from these subgraphs. The framework is exemplified on a 500-kW rated aircraft using data collected from surveys of component parameters, such as power density and efficiency. The presented results show a comparative analysis of different EAPS types with respect to the competing performance metrics of mass, efficiency, and survivability.