Area of Interest (AOI): 3. Aerospace Power Management, Materials, and Distribution
Innovation: This project introduces a compressed-gas-insulated high-voltage cable system with integrated partial discharge (PD) smart detection capabilities. It leverages hybrid passive-active sensing circuits and a physics-informed neural network (PINN) for real-time PD detection and localization. The use of CO₂ as the primary insulation medium, combined with sensor-embedded smart connectors, represents a novel approach to improving reliability, safety, and altitude performance in aerospace power systems.
Objective: The goal is to design, fabricate, and validate a lightweight, PD-resilient cable system suitable for high-voltage aircraft electrification. Led by The Ohio State University in collaboration with Miami University, Case Western Reserve University, and GE Aerospace, the team will develop and test cable prototypes under realistic conditions, comparing performance against conventional polymer-insulated systems. The project also emphasizes student engagement through hands-on research and industry internships.
Background: Building on prior work from the ARPA-E CABLES project (MAAGIC), this effort addresses critical needs identified by AFRL and NASA ARMD for advanced power distribution technologies in electrified aircraft. The proposed system aligns with federal priorities for resilient, high-voltage aerospace electrical infrastructure and supports future transition pathways for military and commercial platforms.
