Main Objectives.

The Multi Layer Cable Model MultiCaB project aims to research and develop advanced parametric power cable models for aeronautical applications, specifically, thermo electric Wing Ice Protection Systems, WIPS.

Apart from basic voltage and current analysis, models must allow to simulate and study high frequency effects, such as skin and proximity effects, standing waves and resonances, conductive and isolation losses and temperature effects.

The analysis and evaluation of these effects will lead to describe the objectives of the project:

Define and develop a Multi Layer Cable Model, MultyCaB, able to analyse steady state and transients, fundamental and harmonic behaviour, thermal effects, high frequency modelling and skin effect, and dv/dt effects.

Specific research in cable models and high frequency effects, a powerful methodology based on experimental measurements, FEM simulations, and experimental validation of developed models and methodologies.

To use the model as an independent application by using an easy HMI Interface to introduce problem description, auxiliary connection and protection devices, cable and load electric parameters and electric variables at the output side of the power converter, or embedded into a general time – domain or electromagnetic simulator, which will include power source and power cables, power converter, complete wiring for WIPS, additional connectors, protections and terminals, and (non-linear) load characteristics.

Two different layers of the model, which are related to result accuracy and computational burden, are considered in the project. A schematic of the two layers is shown below, in Figure 1.

To implement the model it is proposed a lumped parameters based model, which are frequency dependents, that must replicate the frequency response of the full cable for all the frequencies of interest.
It means that not only the fundamental frequency have be taken into account in the model simulation, but also harmonics, switching frequency and high frequencies due to t_rise and t_fall at the power converter must be considered for the complete results.

Fig. 1 : Software work flux and different layers of the parameter cable model.