Technologies for Future Distributed Engine Control Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Current trends in aviation greatly expand the use of highly integrated, increasingly autonomous air vehicles, with distributed engine control systems (DECS). Such systems allow for optimizing engine performance by enhancing propulsion control architecture. In DECS, each system element (i.e., sensors, actuators, and controllers) individually connects to the network and has multiple functions. Some of them require real-time communication for control while others may be less time critical. The weight of wiring and need for cooling are significantly reduced in the engine controlled by a DECS when compared to the traditional centralized FADEC.

Implementation of DECS using advanced sensing techniques, high temperature electronics and open data communication will reverse the growing trend of increasing ratio of control system weight to engine weight and will also be a major factor in decreasing overall cost of ownership. Challenges of implementation include need for validation of engine test cell proven sensing techniques, high temperature electronics (located on or close to the sensing element), development of simple, robust communications (simplifying and reducing the wiring harness), and power supply for the on-board distributed electronics. With the limitations of standard silicon technology for current smart sensors, newer material technologies such as Silicon on Insulator (SOI) and/or Silicon Carbide (SiC) electronics are required. This Special Issue aims to include selected papers presented at NATO AVT-357 Research Workshop to be held in Berlin, Germany, during the spring 2021 AVT Panel Business Meeting Week (17–21 October, 2021) but is also open for general submissions (outside the workshop).

Dr. Radoslaw Przysowa
Prof. Dr. Hany Moustapha
Guest Editors

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