Twinsburg, Ohio – On July 25, 2023, Safran Electrical & Power, a global leader in aeronautical power and onboard electrical systems, presented their project "Advanced High Voltage DC Generator System for Aerospace with Rapid Dynamic Response." The project was awarded with $1.7 million by the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) Round 5 Sustaining Ohio’s Aeronautical Readiness and Innovation in the Next Generation (SOARING) Initiative from October 2021 to June 2023. During Safran Electrical & Power's project presentation, the team hosted a hybrid design review with federal partners from NASA Glenn Research Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory to highlight its development and alignment with Department of Defense needs.
The Advanced High Voltage DC Generator System for Aerospace project yielded enhanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, including a high-speed rotor and an advanced bi-directional voltage controller for improved controllability, and reliability for potential directed energy weapon applications and radar loads. The project's improved thermal management and large cast housing fabrication cater to evolving military aircraft needs and address challenges in rotor stress, control precision, heat management, and manufacturing complexity.
Bob Devine, Safran Electrical & Power Program Manager, said, "Participating in OFRN Round 5 offered us a unique opportunity to advance designs that will wield a significant impact on the DoD, helping to drive innovation beyond current boundaries."
Looking forward, Safran Electrical & Power's achievements extend to being selected to provide the power generation system technology for an advanced vertical lift military program, which is a key achievement for the growth of Safran in Ohio. This achievement ensures Safran's Twinsburg site's sustained involvement with military aviation for the next few decades.
“This announcement highlights not only Safran Electrical and Power's success but also Ohio's innovative progress,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Bartman, OFRN VP for advanced development. “OFRN, aimed at fostering statewide university-industry research collaborations that drive technology creation and job growth, finds affirmation in Safran's accomplishments.”
Learn more about the Ohio Federal Research Network and its funded projects, here
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About Parallax Advanced Research
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the Nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information about both organizations can be found at the Parallax and OAI websites.
About the Ohio Federal Research Network
OFRN's mission is to stimulate Ohio's innovation economy through statewide university-industry research collaborations that drive technology creation and job growth. Managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with The Ohio State University, OFRN is funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Visit here for more information.
About Safran Electrical and Power
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 83 000 employees and sales of $20 billion in 2022, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran Electrical & Power is one of the world's leaders in aircraft electrical systems. The company is a key player in equipment electrification and in the electric and hybrid propulsion sector. It has 13,000 employees across 13 different countries. Visit here for more information.
