A Real-Time Multi Electrical System Integrated Simulator (MESIS) for Validation and Testing of More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Equipment

​More Electric Aircraft (MEA) is an innovative trend among aerospace manufacturers. Electrical systems on MEA are designed to replace conventional hydraulics and pneumatics systems, with an objective of reducing weight, maintenance costs, and increasing Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF). However, inadequate electric systems design and integration negatively impacts power quality of the electrical network on the aircraft, and may lead to failures and damage to electrical components. In order to address power quality shortfalls, concepts validation and testing are necessary in the early stages of the electrical systems design process. Conventional testbed cover an increasing amount of tests in order to insure the required technology readiness levels. Alternatively, virtual MEA systems simulation offers a cost effective and time efficient approach. In this context, BOMBARDIER and OPAL-RT are participating with collaborators in the aerospace industry on the development of a Multi Electrical System Integrated Simulator (MESIS) that integrates MEA systems models into a real-time co-simulation platform. This paper provides a high level overview of the MESIS scope and objectives. The practical implementation of MESIS involves key technological aspects and challenges that will be addressed by simulation strategies presented in the paper.