The center will work on advanced electrical power systems research and development in support of hybrid electric ground vehicles, the electrification of naval surface ships and especially in the aviation industry’s More Electric Aircraft (MEA) technology.
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission is providing a capital grant of up to $7.6m in support of the center. The fiscal agent for the Ohio Third Frontier grant will be the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI).
The UDRI researchers will work with GE to develop and deploy computer modeling, simulation and analysis of electric power systems design and controls.
GE said that its electrical power technology path supports coming generations of commercial air transports, business and regional jets, and strategic and tactical future programs such as the ground combat vehicle, the joint light tactical vehicle, numerous public and proprietary unmanned air vehicles, and the miniaturization effort of electrical power on naval vessels.
Research employees at the center will join 2,800 researchers and employees at GE’s four global research facilities.
Vic Bonneau, president of electric power at GE Aviation Systems, said: ”GE’s EPISCENTER will focus on advanced energy management involving electric power systems research and development including electric power generation, control, distribution & management, conversion and energy storage equipment.
”This center of excellence will be used to design optimized systems that deliver electric power efficiently and robustly for our military and commercial customers.”
