Astronics empowers passengers with optimized power distribution
This is a special feature from the May 2025 issue of PAX Tech, on page 79.
Astronics’ EmPower wireless charging in-seat console
Optimizing power distribution onboard an aircraft impacts multiple areas of the passenger experience, from accessing inflight connectivity and IFE on PEDs to keeping electronics charged and ready for use. Astronics AES (Astronics) EmPower® in-seat power systems use both a scalable architecture at the system level, as well as hardware and software to monitor and regulate power consumption locally.
Dennis Markert, Director of Business Development, Global Sales & Marketing, Astronics AES
As Dennis Markert, Director of Business Development, Global Sales & Marketing, Astronics AES, tells PAX Tech, “Our customers rely on us to provide recommendations for optimizing power allocation per passenger that meet both current and future demands for these systems, making each offering unique to the customer.”
Prioritizing the passenger
Markert emphasizes that the power provided to passengers in the cabin through Astronics’ in-seat power systems are independent of the aircraft's flight-critical power requirements.
“The cabin is allotted a limited amount of power as defined in the aircraft OEM electrical load analysis. Therefore, effectively managing this power allocation between different classes of service and passengers is a key part of our added value at Astronics,” he explains.
With more airlines introducing IFEC services accessible via PEDs, a smooth in-seat charging experience is critical to increasing and maintaining passenger loyalty. Astronics designs its power supply solutions to operate effectively across a wide input voltage and frequency range, ensuring reliable performance throughout all phases of flight.
“Our solutions are built to endure various abnormal operating conditions, including momentary dropouts, voltage surges,spikes and lightning-induced effects,” says Markert. “With the highest power conversion efficiency in the industry, our latest generation power supplies reduce power dissipation by 50 percent.”
This generates less thermal energy, thereby reducing component stress and increasing the Mean Time Between Failure. To further ensure reliable in-seat power, Markert explains that Astronics’ in-seat power components and systems undergo rigorous testing, including Highly Accelerated Life Testing and Highly Accelerated Stress Screening.
Keeping it cool
Type-C outlets from Astronics AES
In-Seat Power Suppliers (ISPS) must be committed to reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient designs and sustainable manufacturing practices. Markert says suppliers should be actively aligning with airline sustainability goals by offering solutions that reduce fuel consumption and overall carbon footprint. At the power supply level, higher efficiency results in less heat generation which reduces the need for extensive thermal management and as a result, reduces fuel consumption.
“Our innovative design and high efficiency enable a reduction in unit size and eliminate the need for heavy heatsinks,” says Markert, referring to Astronics' EmPower in-seat system. Newer airframes incorporate electric environmental systems in the cabin, resulting in less thermal energy from electronic equipment and a reduced demand on the aircraft’s environmental system.
At the system level, Astronics’ newest system architectures are designed to reduce weight through a distributed model – one power supply for multiple rows – with optimized cable design and intelligent power distribution techniques.
“Collectively, these innovations reduce the overall weight of the system, directly contributing to lower fuel usage and helping our customers meet their sustainability goals,” Markert says.
He points to the Ultralite Generation 2 (UltraLite G2) system as an example: half the size and weight of the previous generation but delivering twice the output power at 800 Watts, the UltraLite G2 has an Advanced Master Control Unit that monitors the total system power and the passenger power usage onboard to prevent system overloads and maximize power availability. Further down the chain, smart Power Distribution Connectors allocate power to individual Type-C outlet units and report power usage back to the power supply. The USB-C outlet unit automatically negotiates power levels with passengers’ devices.
It also employs a central power supply to serve a specific zone within the cabin, distributing power within that area and eliminating the need for power supply at each seat, ultimately reducing overall system weight.
“The increased efficiency of the system minimizes wasted power, reducing the load on the aircraft generators, while the lower weight decreases fuel consumption for each flight,” Markert explains.
Markert cites a proven track record of success, line-fit offerability and a commitment to sustainability as some of the key considerations for airlines when selecting an ISPS.
“Astronics AES recognizes that reduced energy consumption, sustainability and total cost of ownership are top priorities for airlines, and we provide the best solutions in the market to meet these needs,” he concludes.
