EMB-170 flight crew reported electrical systems malfunction on initial climb and return to departure airport.
Synopsis
EMB-170 flight crew reported electrical systems malfunction on initial climb and return to departure airport.
Narrative
On departure from ZZZ; we experienced electrical issues immediately after gear retraction. A large number of EICAS messages presented; and all screens on the flight deck started flickering and blacking out. We requested a heading and altitude to begin QRH checklists. Shortly after that request; most of the EICAS messages cleared; except for ICE DETECTOR 1 FAIL. I ran the QRH for that message. As soon as that checklist was complete; another large number of EICAS messages presented. This was associated with multiple PFD (Primary Flight Display); MFD (Multi-function Flight Display); EICAS; and FMS intermittent failures. We requested priority handling; agreed that ZZZ was the nearest suitable airport; and initiated a diversion. The Flight Attendants and passengers were notified of the situation. Due to convective cells in the area; we received vectors to remain in VMC. As both FMSs were unreliable; we flew a visual approach to XXL and landed without further incident.Potentially a GCU (Generator Control Unit) failure. The Mx (Maintenance) write up shows they worked on/replaced a GCU.The Captain and I handled the situation very well. We kept the passengers and crew safe. The aircraft had no damage and is able to be fixed. If the committee has any advice on this type of emergency I welcome any feedback.
Second reporter narrative
Soon after takeoff out of ZZZ we received numerous EICAS messages. In addition to the EICAS messages all of our display units began to malfunction. Tower gave us a heading of 270 and a climb to 10;000 initially; still unaware of our situation. I had my FO accept the turn but request 5;000 as our new altitude in an attempt to remain in VMC. I also instructed my FO soon after to inform tower that we were experiencing electrical issues and we would need to run a few checklists. They acknowledged our request for 5;000 and our situation before handing us off to departure. Before contacting departure my FO and I continued to fly the aircraft and got the flaps retracted before checking in. Shortly after leveling off most of the EICAS messages began to clear on their own and our display units began to function as normal. We asked for a box pattern to remain in the area so we could run the QRH for the few remaining messages displayed. About a minute after beginning to run the QRH the EICAS messages returned as well as the display unit malfunctions. The messages appeared to be a repeat of the initial messages and were intermittent in nature. As a result we were unable to verify them as they disappeared and reappeared repeatedly. Additionally; our FMS's froze and became unresponsive. It was at this moment I had my FO request priority handling to ATC and request vectors back to ZZZ. They attempted to assign us the Rnav XXL however with our FMS's being unresponsive we had to request and fly the visual. ZZZ was VMC at the time. As we were being vectored I had my FO perform the landing data calculations for our return while I called and informed the FA's of the situation. ATC vectored us onto the visual and passed us off to tower after we got the field in sight. Tower asked if we needed CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) which we accepted as a precaution. We continued to land without further incident taxiing back to the gate under our own power. No injuries were reported by crew or passengers and no known structural damage to the aircraft has occurred.At this time the cause of the source of the electrical malfunction is unknown. However looking at the Logbook it shows maintenance repaired the engine 1 the generator control unit (GCU).I am open to suggestions from the Review Team.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.