Research & Development
The ingenuity to create the future

Research & Development

AES has research and development connections with several universities and research institutions. These projects include aviation as well as space studies.

We are currently developing a prototype for IoT in the aerospace industry. For use as a backbone in the in-flight entertainment of aircrafts, a wireless network will be developed and coherent light is to be used as the communication medium. The goal of the project is to build a prototype with all system-relevant components, which nevertheless meets the special requirements of aviation. This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE).

Furthermore AES researches lighting systems for air purification with UV-C LEDs. This project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) as well.

       

AES also researches in the field of gesture control with a project named “CabDis”. Voice control and touchscreens are omnipresent. But gestures are also an important means of communication. Contactless control can reduce contact areas and limit transmission of pathogens. In addition, gesture control offers sustainability benefits. This project is funded by the EU.

         

We also worked on a space research project titled “Aluminium Harnesses for Satellites” (AlSa). This research project aimed to utilize aluminium cables as, power supply lines, in satellites. It was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy (BMWi). AES is using its long-term experience in the aviation industry and applyng it to the demands of the satellite field. 
The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) also provided developmental support and conducting studies about suitable materials and surface conditions.

A further project involves a frequency converter and universally applicable single-phase voltage converter, based on the Bridgeless Power Factor Correction (BPFC).

AES is also working on the development of LiFi applications (optical wireless technology for data transmission via visible light or infrared radiation) for aircraft cabins.

The” Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft” recently awarded AES the label of approval with “Innovative Through Research” for its impressive R&D work.

R&D Projects

1. LiFi - light fidelity at AES

Empowering Communication with Light in Aviation

One of our major R&D topic at AES is LiFi (light fidelity). LiFi is a wireless communication technology with the potential of revolutionising the aviation industry. The technology utilises light waves to transmit data, creating a network of ultra-fast and secure connectivity. LiFi offers enhanced data security by confining signals within designated areas, thus eliminating signal transmission through walls, making it ideal for environments where radio frequency signals are disagreeable.

 

Download more information about our LiFi projects our LiFi projects HERE…

Download the product flyer of AES’ Spot Light with LiFi HERE…

2. Beyond 5G - IoT for Aviation and Space

AES develops prototype for IoT in the aerospace industry

In the future, the linkage of mobile devices in aircrafts will continue to gain relevance. The biggest challenge in the process is the flood of huge amounts of data. For use as a backbone in the in-flight entertainment of aircrafts, a wireless network will be developed in the project „Beyond 5G IoT for Space and Aircraft“. Coherent light is to be used as the communication medium. Compared to radio waves, it offers a significantly wider spectrum, does not interfere with them and provides data rates comparable to high-speed cables.

The goal of the project is to build a prototype with all system-relevant components, which nevertheless meets the special requirements of aviation. This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE).

Download more information about the project HERE…

Mehr Informationen zum geförderten Entwicklungsprojekt finden Sie HIER…

                   

3. Air purification via UV-C LEDs

AES researches air purification with UV-C LED lighting systems

To find solutions for safe flying in relation to viruses and the risk of infection, AES is researching UV-C LED lighting solutions for aviation.

Here, AES is focusing particularly on the wavelengths that destroy DNA most effectively. Special lenses allow the UV-C light to be further focused.

This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE).

Download more information about the project HERE…

Mehr Informationen zum geförderten Entwicklungsprojekt finden Sie HIER…

                   

4. Gesture Control for airplane cabins

Voice control and touchscreens are omnipresent. But gestures are also an important means of communication.

Gesture detection is invisible, contactless and anonymous. Contactless control can reduce contact areas and limit transmission of pathogens.

In addition, gesture control offers sustainability benefits. Intelligent gesture recognition can save operating panels as well as control devices and maintenance work. This conserves resources and leads to a reduction in weight, which lowers fuel consumption and protects the environment.

The project will conduct a feasibility study and evaluate available technologies with regard to aviation requirements. Funded by the EU.

Mehr Informationen zum geförderten Entwicklungsprojekt finden Sie HIER…

                   

5. ALU Harness for Satellite (ALSA)

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy (BMWi), this research project aims to use aluminium cables as power supply lines in satellites. Aluminium cables have a major advantage over conventional copper conductorsdue to a lighter weight, potentially reducing it by over 50%. Aluminium also has a higher electrical conductivity to density ratio than copper. The central theme of this project is to apply this key advantage to satellite technology, where copper is commonly used for power and signal lines. The challenge now, is to face and solve problems such as fragility resulting from mechanical load, and maintaining durability in the case of exposure to corrosion between production and launch.
AES is devoting its long-term aviation experience and knowledge to these demanding conditions: and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is providing developmental support and conducting studies on the most suitable materials and surface conditions.
Satellite technology is key to global communication, and implementing the results of this developmental work will represent a major milestone in this field.

                       
Aufgrund eines Beschlusses
des Deutschen Bundestages

6. Universally applicable single-phase voltage converter

Another project involves a frequency converter and universally applicable single-phase voltage converter, based on the Bridgeless Power Factor Correction (BPFC). The goal of this project is to develop a highly mature, seat power supply unit (ISPS), with the single-phase output voltage of 115V AC, or 230V AC for the aviation industry. Major challenges are involved in this work, as the ISPS must be efficient, lightweight, and compact for a limited installation space. The new generation of ISPS will be able to meet a wide range of customer requirements, owing to the digital control loop and resulting choice of parameterization.