TUHH: Projekt 1

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Airbus

Wireless Hybrid Transmission Point (WHTP)

Description of the company

Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and delivery of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space systems, and defense technologies. With approximately 160,000 to 168,000 direct employees worldwide, Airbus is headquartered in Europe with major industrial hubs in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, the company operates across more than 180 locations worldwide. Known for driving cutting-edge innovation -such as zero-emission flight concepts and advanced satellite technology- Airbus consistently captures roughly half of all global commercial airliner orders.

Situation

Passenger seats are increasingly being equipped with additional technical devices that make travel more pleasant and relaxing for the passenger. Especially for long-haul flights , seats are generally equipped with entertainment systems, In-flight entertainment (IFE), power supply, In-Seat power supply Systems (ISPSS), or even electric adjustment and massage systems.

Problem

These functions are currently connected to the aircraft seats via cables. However, this cabling significantly reduces cabin flexibility during reconfiguration, as well as introducing additional efforts to the manufacturing. Changes to the cabin's configuration, for example, to adjust the seat pitch, necessitate a costly rewiring.

A contactless inductive power transfer system has been developed for use in aircraft. This system allows cabin components, such as seats, to be powered wirelessly. This makes it possible to easily reconfigure the cabin interior without having to modify the wiring. However, this contactless power and data transmission system has the disadvantage that the technically achievable data rates are too low for applications such as in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems.

Aims of the project

Inductive transmission elements are required for contactless inductive energy and data transmission systems. The transmission system consists of a primary coil with a ferrite core and a secondary coil, also with a ferrite core. Electrical energy is converted into a magnetic field in the primary coil and then back into electrical energy in the secondary coil. Low data can also be transmitted using this coil system by modulating the generated magnetic field, however at a low rate.

The aim is therefore to modify the coils (if required) of the contactless inductive energy and low data transmission system in such a way that higher data rates become possible.

In case the primary and secondary coils of the inductive transmission system need to be modified, then this shall be in such a way that an additional primary and secondary transmitter can be integrated within the magnetic free space. This magnetic free space is characterized by being either completely free or only minimally permeated by the magnetic field lines of the power transmission system, allowing an electrical radio transmitter to utilize this free space.
The power transmission system (inductive) and the data transmission systems (electromagnetic waves) shall be designed in such a way that mutual interference is excluded.

The transmitter shall be designed for high data rates.
The picture attached shows an example of the implementation of a data transmission system (based on electromagnetic waves) in the environment of a contactless energy transmission system (inductive). (Picture_Description)

The migration from different transmission technologies to a contactless energy and data transmission system (hybrid transmitter) aims to provide a universal interface for Cabin Equipment: The Wireless Hybrid Transmission Point (WHTP). This WHTP shall have the capability to electrically penetrate non-conductive components located between air gaps, such as floor panels or cabin linings. Furthermore, this interface is maintenance-free and can also be used in areas with harsh environmental conditions, such as humid environments like galleys and lavatories.

Scopes

Cabin & Cargo, Overall Physical System Architecture (OPSA).

Target group (students)

Master students Aeronautical System, Electrical Engineering and else.

Skills and prior experience in these areas would be beneficial: