An open problem for More Electrical Aircraft (MEA): How insulation systems of actuators can be qualified?

The concept of More Electric Aircraft (MEA) aims to address the demand for efficiency, reliability and maintainability of today aerospace industry by means of an in-depth electrification of the currently hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic on-board actuators. The high power density of electric actuators shall decrease substantially the aircraft weight as well as its fuel consumption and environmental impact. However, safety and reliability are primary drivers of this sector. This paper will review the main stress factors affecting the lifespan of insulation materials used in aerospace actuators, concentrating in particular to the influence of the low atmospheric pressure at high attitude and to the effect of wide band-gap power devices' short rise times on voltage stress in windings.