Study on state prediction and topology methods of power transmission for distributed electric propulsion aircraft

To address the challenges of severe power demand fluctuations insufficient state prediction accuracy of the power and energy system and significant losses in the transmission system under high-load scenarios such as vertical/short takeoff and landing (eVTOL/eSTOL) and transition flights, a high-precision state prediction method suitable for complex scenarios is proposed. A required power calculation model for propulsion system across complete flight profile is firstly established based on the energy flow and efficiency analysis of propulsion components. Then, a state prediction model for UAV energy systems is developed by using an equivalent circuit model (ECM) with model parameters identified through PSO. Finally, three transmission topology schemes are designed for the power and energy system of a specific eSTOL UAV. The transmission system model couples the power calculation model and the energy state prediction model and the performance of each scheme is evaluated through simulations. Results show that the "Energy Distribution-Full Cable Distribution" scheme reduces the maximum voltage and power losses by 41.67% and 42.5% respectively while improving transmission efficiency compared to traditional schemes. The DP model demonstrates the significant advantages in the dynamic response and transient characteristics making it suitable for complex scenarios with drastic power demand changes.