Simulation of contactor for regional hybrid-electric aircraft

Authors

  • B. Barbu Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff 1, 98693, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2810-0818
  • F. Berger Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff 1, 98693, Germany

Keywords:

hybrid airplane, KHVDC, contactor, simulation

Abstract

To meet the decarbonization objectives set forth by the European Union, the aerospace sector is engaged in the development of a novel category of regional hybrid aircraft that integrates advanced DC technologies alongside conventional systems. This publication presents the proposed direct current (DC) system of the next-generation hybrid aircraft focusing on one of the protection elements developed for the kilo-volt DC (KHVDC) network, namely a mechanical contactor. The contactor design, its key characteristics as well as the chosen numerical model are presented and discussed in detail. The magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model, details and focuses on a solution that integrates two distinct Ansys software packages, Fluent and Electronics Desktop (Maxwell 3D), chosen to enhance the electric arc modeling in non-linear magnetic environments. The qualitative results obtained from the numerical model will be discussed against experimental observations.

Author Biographies

  • B. Barbu, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff 1, 98693, Germany

    Dipl.-Ing.

  • F. Berger, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff 1, 98693, Germany

    Prof.-Univ. Dr.-Ing.

References

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Published

2026-06-05

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 B. Barbu, F. Berger

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