The More Electric Aircraft (MEA) is based on the concept of utilizing electrical power for driving aircraft subsystems currently powered by hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical means including utility and flight control actuation, environmental control system, lubrication and fuel pumps, and numerous other utility functions. One of the most difficult challenges of the MEA has been the problem of WVF (360 to 800 Hz), for frequency sensitive loads. Earlier researchers have proposed either an Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) to maintain the speed constant, or a two-stage power conversion system (AC-DC-AC) for frequency conversion to 400 Hz. IDG subsystems are very heavy, expensive and due to their complex high-speed rotating mechanical structure, require frequent costly maintenance. The alternative solution based on a transformer-coupled passive front-end rectifier, is also bulky, heavy, and expensive and suffers from poor efficiency and low input power factor. In this tutorial, Dr. Kojori presents the results of some of his patented electrical power and power electronic contributions which have been developed and demonstrated at Honeywell to make the concept of a MEA a reality. These advanced technologies significantly reduce the size, weight and life-cycle-cost of the overall system, improve reliability and result in ease of manufacturing and maintenance and are applicable not only in aerospace but also have wide applications in general industry.

Hassan has 25 years experience in the fields of motor drives, power conversion, power distribution, and advanced controls. Currently as a Senior Principal Engineer with Honeywell Advanced Technology, he is responsible for research, development and technology demonstration of advanced Electric Power Systems and is the design authority for integrated high power conversion systems for More Electric Aircraft. Prior to this, he was the Electrical Design Lead for the Entry Into Service of the A380 Secondary Electrical Power Distribution System (SEPDS). Hassan joined Honeywell in 1997. Prior to that, he worked for Inverpower Controls in Burlington, Ontario as a Senior Development Engineer for three years and before that was a Senior Research Associate for 10 years at the University of Toronto’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering conducting original research on power devices and systems. His original work on numerous technology firsts has resulted in 15 patent disclosures, 13 of which are related to More Electric Aircraft (four patents awarded and 11 pending), seven journal papers, 21 conference papers and numerous other proprietary industry presentations and technical reports. Hassan is a Senior Member of the IEEE, a registered professional engineer in the province of Ontario, Canada and an Adjunct professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. He is actively engaged in collaborative research in the general area of power electronics, motor drives and teaching and supervising graduate students.