Decarbonization and Sustainable Aerospace through Electrification of Aircraft Systems - Aerospace Electric
Project overview
The aerospace industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation, with a focus on establishing a sustainable, resilient, and carbon-neutral sector to meet the evolving demands of future generations in airborne and space transportation.
This project endeavors to advance this transformation through the development of innovative technologies and solutions across various facets of aircraft design, propulsion, power generation, avionics, and control systems. The overarching goal is to propel the aerospace industry towards a future that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, characterized by significant reductions in emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels.
In the field of aviation, akin to advancements in the automotive sector, there exists considerable potential to revolutionize aircraft propulsion systems. This revolution hinges on three primary architectures: hybrid-electric, turbo-electric, and all-electric propulsion. This project seeks to confront key challenges within these domains and make substantive contributions toward fostering a sustainable, carbon-neutral future within the aerospace sector.
Key project details
| Principal investigator | Kash Khorasani, professor, Concordia Research Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering Institute of Aerospace Design & Innovation, Concordia University |
Co-principal investigators |
Luiz Lopes, professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University; Chunyan Lai, associate professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University; Lyne Woodward, professor, Département de Génie Electrique, École de Technologie Supérieure; Mehrdad Saif, professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Windsor; Krishna Kumar, Professor, Aerospace Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University |
Research collaborators |
Sean Smith, Vozwin; Abdo Shabah, CEO, Humanitas |
| Non-academic partners | Humanitas, Vozwin |
| Research Keywords | Aircraft design & system integration, propulsion systems, electric motor technologies, electric power systems integration, alternative power generation, battery management systems, avionics and control systems, advanced air mobility |
| Budget | Cash: $850,000 In-Kind: $50,000 |
Publications:
H. Mao, K. Khorasani, and Y. Guo, “Enhancing Fault Detection and Isolation in All-Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Gas Generator by Utilizing Starter/Generator Signal,” Aerospace, vol. 12, no. 7, p. 607, July 2025, doi: 10.3390/aerospace12070607.
M. Farhadloo, S. Asvadi, and K. Khorasani, “Potential vulnerabilities associated with emerging technologies: insights from a systematic literature review,” Manag Rev Q, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 1717–1760, June 2025, doi: 10.1007/s11301-024-00420-5.
H. Mao, K. Khorasani, and Y. Guo, “Analysis and Diagnosis of the Stator Turn-to-Turn Short-Circuit Faults in Wound-Rotor Synchronous Generators,” Energies, vol. 18, no. 9, p. 2395, May 2025, doi: 10.3390/en18092395.
D. Shamsollahi, O. Moselhi, and K. Khorasani, “Data integration using deep learning and real-time locating system (RTLS) for automated construction progress monitoring and reporting,” Automation in Construction, vol. 168, p. 105778, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2024.105778.
D. Shamsollahi, O. Moselhi, and K. Khorasani, “Automated Detection and Segmentation of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Components in Indoor Environments by Using the YOLACT++ Architecture,” J. Constr. Eng. Manage., vol. 150, no. 8, p. 04024100, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-15115.
Research focus
Aircraft design & systems integration
This step delves into the development of cutting-edge technologies for integrating various electrical systems within aircraft designs. Emphasis is placed on addressing the intricate challenge of integrating multiple electrical systems into power distribution networks, which is crucial for enhancing and reliability of future hybrid and all-electric aircraft systems.
Propulsion & alternative power generation
This focal point revolves around the exploration and advancement of innovative technologies for aircraft propulsion and power generation. It encompasses the thorough analysis, design and optimization of hybrid propulsion technologies, in line with the industry's pursuit of alternative power sources to conventional fuel-based systems.
Avionics & control systems
Within this research domain, the focus lies on investigating the implications of transitioning from conventional actuators to electric actuation on control system design, stability and overall aircraft performance. Recognizing the crucial interactions with aircraft design and propulsion, making avionics and control systems design paramount.
Non-academic partners
Thank you to our non-academic partners for your support and trust.
Volt-Age is funded by a $123-million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
