EMC Society Distinguished Lecturer Series: Aeronautical Power Chain (Aircraft Power Systems)
Aeronautical Power Chain (Aircraft Power Systems)
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Charles Jullien
Senior EMC Expert, Safran Electrical & Power
Blagnac, France
Abstract:
The presentation will begin with an introduction retracing the evolution towards increased electrification in aircraft, from the concept of the “more electric aircraft” to future prospects for all-electric airplanes. We will review the development of on-board power needs, highlighting iconic examples such as the Concorde and next-generation aircraft like the A350 and B787. An overview of the future of electric protection devices up to 2050 will be presented, along with a discussion of the challenges linked to increasing power and the introduction of high-voltage systems, including HVDC, HVAC, and PWM. The main elements of the power chain will also be briefly introduced.
The section dedicated to generation will highlight power system architecture, the diversity of generation sources, and an introduction to power electronics, with a focus on the associated electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges. The harness segment will explore issues related to high-voltage power transport, crosstalk, shielding, and will include a focus on harness simulation. The engine section will present the transition towards “Smart Engines,” with an introduction to their specific challenges, particularly regarding filtering.
Finally, the presentation will conclude with a recap of the solutions proposed to meet the challenges identified in generation, harness, and engine systems, followed by a brief bibliography.
Speaker Bio:
Charles Jullien is a Senior Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Expert at Safran Electrical & Power, where he has been contributing since 2012 to the design, analysis, and qualification of complex aeronautical electrical systems. He has worked on more than 40 industrial programs, providing technical expertise, audits, and training in EMC. He is an active member of Safran’s Electromagnetism expert network and currently chairs the Safran Group roadmap on Tools and Modelling for Electrical Systems, supporting the development of advanced EMC methodologies for aerospace applications.
Dr. Jullien received his PhD in Electronics and Telecommunications with honors from INSA Rennes through a CIFRE program with Safran and ONERA. His doctoral research focused on the modeling and analysis of electromagnetic coupling in complex cable bundles, applied to aeronautical harnesses. He also holds a Master’s degree in Computational Physics and a Bachelor’s degree in Theoretical Physics from Université Montpellier 2. His technical interests include cable and harness EMC, shielding effectiveness, modeling and simulation, and high-voltage challenges in aerospace systems.
Dr. Jullien has delivered over 60+ presentations at major international EMC conferences and forums, authored numerus journal publications and contributed to many patents at Safran Electrical & Power. An active member of the IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society for over 16 years, he serves as Secretary of the IEEE EMC French Chapter, Secretary of EMC TC4, Officer-at-Large of EMC TC8 (Chair of the High-Voltage Challenges for Aerospace subcommittee), and Secretary of IEEE SA Working Group P2855. He is also regularly involved in graduate-level EMC education in France and internationally.
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Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm (EDT)