Austria | Germany | France | Sweden | India | USA | China | Singapore
3 ways advanced DAQ solutions help the aviation industry transition to a sustainable future
Tips & Trends | News | 4 minutes Reading Time |

3 ways advanced DAQ solutions help the aviation industry transition to a sustainable future

By 2050 we need to become a carbon-neutral society, and the aviation sector needs to contribute. While flying less can help reduce emissions, we have options for cleaner air travel. For one, we could power our flight with electricity or hydrogen, which are no longer ideas in some futuristic science fiction novel. Rather, they are on the brink of generating a shift in aviation technology.

1. Elevating Performance: How High-Voltage Isolation Modules drive Progress in Electric & Hybrid Propulsion Testing

Electric and hybrid-electric propulsion has taken center stage in the aerospace industry, offering transformational benefits. This cutting-edge technology enhances flights by providing quieter journeys, reducing emissions, improving safety, and lowering costs. Moreover, it unlocks new possibilities for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Urban Air Mobility (UAM) platforms, and various small passenger and cargo aircraft. Despite the potential, the industry faces challenges related to battery density, efficient electrical systems, seamless integration, and regulatory standards. Aircraft companies are actively working to overcome these hurdles, advancing the field of electrical propulsion by enabling the development of innovative propulsion systems and architectures that will shape the future of aviation.

Lilium Jet - the first eVTOL - made its maiden flight in May 2019 (Source by Lilium GmbH
Lilium Jet – the first eVTOL – made its maiden flight in May 2019 (Source by Lilium GmbH)

The Q.series X data acquisition product line from Gantner Instruments offers a comprehensive selection of high voltage isolation measurement modules. These modules are designed to meet the diverse testing needs of engineers involved in electric motor and inverter testing, battery performance and state of charge testing, mechanical and vibration testing, and drive system integration testing. With the remarkable feature of 1500 VDC triple galvanic isolation, these modules provide accurate measurements of voltage, current, RTD, thermocouple, IEPE and strain gauge sensors, all at frequencies up to 100 kHz. When you choose Gantner Instruments’ Q.Series X, you gain access to advanced technology that will enhance your test processes with unparalleled precision and reliability.

Experience the future of aerospace testing with Gantner Instruments’ Q.series X. Harness the full potential of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion while ensuring accurate and efficient measurements. Trust in our expertise and leap forward in aviation innovation.

2. Embracing the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft, cryogenic measurement technology emerges as a crucial enabler in their development.

The future of large commercial aviation lies in hydrogen-powered aircraft, as electric propulsion faces limitations such as weight, heat generation, and battery life. Hydrogen, when generated from renewable sources, offers zero CO2 emissions and delivers three times the energy per unit mass of conventional kerosene fuel and over 100 times that of lithium-ion batteries.

To overcome the challenges of hydrogen storage, aircraft companies are focusing on cryogenic hydrogen tank designs. Cryotank storage, which involves cooling hydrogen to below -253 °C (-423 °F), enables higher density and reduced tank mass. However, it requires airtight insulation systems, specialized handling equipment, constant pressure maintenance and airtight sealing to prevent air from solidifying in the tanks.

3D rendering of zero-emission aircraft with two hybrid-hydrogen turbofan engines
3D rendering of zero-emission aircraft with two hybrid-hydrogen turbofan engines

Gantner Instruments addresses the needs of cryogenic measurement in hydrogen-powered aircraft with its Q.series X A105 CR measurement modules. These modules are designed for cryogenic temperature sensors like Cernox® or TVO. They provide ultralow sensor excitation to minimize self-heating and maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, the modules feature sensor-specific linearization tables to compensate for the non-linearity of cryogenic temperature sensors.

In addition, Gantner Instruments offers a variant of its A101 measurement module for strain measurement in low-temperature environments. This module incorporates smart ON/OFF switching of bridge excitation voltage to prevent self-heating. It utilizes a 3-step measurement process to correct for the influence of thermoelectric voltage when using cryogenic wiring.

With Gantner Instruments’ advanced cryogenic measurement solutions, the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft can progress smoothly, ensuring accurate and reliable data acquisition in these cutting-edge aviation systems.

3. Advancing Strain Measurement for Characterization of Lightweight Composite Structures

In the quest for lighter aircraft designs to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and environmental impact, the aerospace industry relies on fabrication techniques for carbon fiber composite, such as 3D printing and automated fiber placement. These techniques enable the creation of lightweight structures with improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The aero-engine sector is also actively replacing titanium with high-temperature-resistant carbon fiber composites. However, accurately predicting the performance of tailored composite structures remains a challenge. Finite element analysis and virtual testing provide insights, but real test data is essential for validation and adjustment.

Composite fan blades on the General Electric GEnx-1B result in lighter and more efficient engines
Composite fan blades on the General Electric GEnx-1B result in lighter and more efficient engines

Gantner Instruments offers a specialized range of 24-bit strain gage amplifiers to achieve precise microstrain measurement with single-digit accuracy. These amplifiers are meticulously designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace applications. With features like a high-stability bridge completion resistor and low bridge excitation, they minimize measurement errors caused by temperature variations in the measurement chain.

Our informative blog post provides eight helpful tips for selecting the ideal strain gage amplifier for your aerospace structural test setup. Make the right choice and ensure accurate validation of your finite element models with Gantner Instruments’ advanced strain measurement solutions.


Expert Support for Your Measurement Needs

Experience top-tier support from Gantner Instruments’ measurement experts. Our individualized sales and technical application support is freely available to existing and potential customers. Smoothly transition to a sustainable future with our assistance. Let our experts help you find the perfect data acquisition solution. Gain valuable insight into high-voltage isolation in electrical drive testing, overcome measurement challenges in cryogenic environments, and select the optimal strain gage amplifier for your structural testing needs.

Book your slot now

More articles

Events

GI.training in NRW in May 2025

GI.training near you: We will be in Nordrhein-Westfalen for the GI.basic training on May 6th and the GI.professional training on May 7th, 2025.

Read more...
Tips & Trends

6 Tips for Stress-free Strain Measurement during Fatigue Testing of Aircraft Structures

Strain is the single most important measurement during aircraft fatigue testing. The accuracy and precision of strain gauge measurements is of the greatest importance to exactly determine the durability and damage tolerance of a structure. The higher a structure is in the ‘pyramid of test’, the higher the test complexity, number of measurement channels, and data produced. On top of that the risk in terms of time delay and cost associated to a test program increases more than proportional with the increase in test complexity. Here are six tips to help you choose the right data acquisition system for your fatigue test:

Read more...
Events

Innovation Call Vorarlberg 2023

Digital Innovation: Fueling the Future and Unveiling the Unseen

Read more...
News

Test Measurement DAQ for SEDS sponsored by Gantner Instruments

Gantner Instruments, Inc. is proud to be a platinum sponsor of the SEDS-Students for the Exploration and Development of Space-organization at the University of California San Diego. Gantner Instruments provided the data acquisition system required for their Colossus Static Fire System Test Stand. This full test system is complete with Gantner’s Q.station PLC controller, precision DAQ modules for TC, Voltage, Current, Resistance and Pt100.

Read more...