CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HYDRAULIC POWER PACKS A380 SUPERJUMBO
DB Engineering was asked by Airbus to develop a control system for 2 hydraulic power packs to test the slats of the A380 Superjumbo. One power pack was running on normal mineral oil, whereas the second one was running on Skydrol (a highly sophisticated fl uid, mainly used on board airliners). The extreme deformations were induced by the mineral oil pack, whereas the Skydrol power pack controlled the wing’s inner systems, such as the flaps, slats and many other components. After completion of the basic control system, DB Engineering was also asked to connect the entire test area by network, allowing the Airbus engineers to modify several test parameters from their desks.
DB Engineering developed a control system, the design of which was not only very clear and comprehensive, but also very flexible. This allowed Airbus to change parameters fairly easy, while still receiving the necessary test results. To ensure the safety during the network operation, DB Engineering opted for a network structure, based on a combination of Ethernet, Profibus and ASI-safe.
The test results gave Airbus a clear view on the long-term effects of stress loads on the entire wing structure and components and allowed them to detect possible failures (cracks) due to metal fatigue or composite failures. The specific network set-up significantly reduced the physical cabling, while maintaining safety, performance and flexibility.