In the context of energy transition and CO₂ emissions reduction, the electrification of transport is a major challenge. Launched in May 2024 for a four-year duration, the RepowerDrive project aims to enhance power efficiency and density while ensuring robust electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). It brings together several major industrial players (Airbus, Safran, TE Connectivity, Valeo) as well as academic laboratories (LAAS-CNRS, SATIE), and is part of a broader applied research initiative involving tests on systems ranging from 22 to 300 kW.
The main objective of the project is to improve the filtering of electromagnetic disturbances emitted by high-power drive systems. Initial studies have shown that conventional passive filtering solutions fail to meet industrial constraints in terms of volume and weight. As part of RepowerDrive, an in-depth evaluation of available market technologies has been conducted, and new analog and digital active filtering solutions compatible with industrial requirements will be developed.
The first results include a state-of-the-art report on active EMC filters and an assessment of EMC disturbance levels in high-power drive systems through measurement campaigns across various power chains in the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. Additionally, a PhD thesis has been initiated to develop an innovative approach for in situ measurement of EMC filter insertion losses.
The next phases of the project will focus on:
- Evaluating COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) active filtering solutions (e.g., from TI and EMCortech)
- Developing a common interface board to integrate various filtering technologies
- Designing industrial demonstrators for analog and digital filtering solutions
- Improving digital active filter algorithms in collaboration with TU Dortmund University (TUD)
- Evaluating the performance of the developed filtering solutions on representative high-power systems
Finally, RepowerDrive also contributes to standards development, supporting the evolution of norms related to the integration of high-power converters in the aerospace industry. This project represents a strategic advancement for transport electrification by ensuring systems that are more efficient, robust, and compliant with industrial requirements.
“The RepowerDrive project aims to minimize the weight and volume of EMC filtering solutions for high-power drive systems while ensuring high EMC performance,” says Mohamed Matmat, project manager.