Optimization of an aircraft power distribution subsystem

A mathematical optimization problem is formulated to design several components of an electrical power distribution system for next-generation aircraft. A simple interconnected system consisting of an input filter and a dc-dc buck converter is used as the prototype for the optimization demonstration. The components are designed for minimum weight, subject to performance, stability, and peak voltage constraints. Optimized designs for each of the individual subsystems and for the integrated system are presented. It is shown that there is an interaction between the filter design problem and the converter design problem and that weight improvements can be obtained by considering these interactions. The optimization methodology described enables designers to obtain optimized electric power subsystem designs in a time-efficient manner.