Sizing and Analysis of a Tilt-Wing Aircraft with All-Electric and Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imon Chakraborty ◽  
Noah S. Miller ◽  
Aashutosh A. Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Hybrid Electric

Preliminary Design of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems for Emerging UAM Rotorcraft Architectures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chana Anna Saias ◽  
Ioannis Goulos ◽  
Ioannis Roumeliotis ◽  
Vassilios Pachidis ◽  
Marko Bacic
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Flight Test ◽  
Preliminary Design ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Rotor Aerodynamics ◽  
Tilt Rotor ◽  
Integrated Methodology ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
Battery Energy ◽  
Optimal Implementation

Abstract The increasing demands for air-taxi operations together with the ambitious targets for reduced environmental impact have driven significant interest in alternative rotorcraft architectures and propulsion systems. The design of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems (HEPSs) for rotorcraft is seen as being able to contribute to those goals. This work aims to conduct a comprehensive design and trade-off analysis of hybrid powerplants for rotorcraft, targeting enhanced payload-range capability and fuel economy. An integrated methodology for the design, performance assessment and optimal implementation of HEPSs for conceptual rotorcraft has been developed. A multi-disciplinary approach is devised comprising models for rotor aerodynamics, flight dynamics, HEPS performance and weight estimation. All models are validated using experimental or flight test data. The methodology is deployed for the assessment of a hybrid-electric tilt-rotor, modelled after the NASA XV-15. This work targets to provide new insight in the preliminary design and sizing of optimally designed HEPSs for novel tilt-rotor aircraft. The paper demonstrates that at present, current battery energy densities (250Wh/kg) severely limit the degree of hybridization if a fixed useful payload and range are to be achieved. However, it is also shown that if advancements in battery energy density to 500Wh/kg are realized, a significant increase in the level of hybridization and hence reduction of fuel burned and carbon output relative to the conventional configuration can be attained. The methodology presented is flexible enough to be applied to alternative rotorcraft configurations and propulsion systems.

scholarly journals Integrated Systems Simulation for Assessing Fuel Thermal Management Capabilities for Hybrid-Electric Rotorcraft

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Roumeliotis ◽  
Lorenzo Castro ◽  
Soheil Jafari ◽  
Vassilios Pachidis ◽  
Louis De Riberolles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Management ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Cooling Capacity ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Fuel Tank ◽  
Thermal Loads ◽  
Simulation Framework ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Integrated Simulation ◽  
Hybrid Electric

Abstract Future aircraft and rotorcraft propulsion systems should be able to meet ambitious targets and severe limitations set by governments and organizations. These targets cannot be achieved through marginal improvements in turbine technology or vehicle design. Hybrid-electric propulsion is being widely considered as a revolutionary concept to further improve the environmental impact of air travel. One of the most important challenges and barriers in the development phase of hybrid-electric propulsion systems is the Thermal Management System (TMS) design, sizing and optimization for addressing the increased thermal loads due to the electric power train. The aim of this paper is to establish an integrated simulation framework including the vehicle, the propulsion system and the fuel-oil system (FOS) for assessing the cooling capability of the FOS for the more electric era of rotorcrafts. The framework consists of a helicopter model, propulsion system models, both conventional and hybrid-electric, and a FOS model. The test case is a twin-engine medium (TEM) helicopter flying a representative Passenger Air Transport (PAT) mission. The conventional power plant heat loads are calculated and the cooling capacity of the FOS is quantified for different operating conditions. Having established the baseline, three different Power Management Strategies (PMS) are considered and the integrated simulation framework is utilized for evaluating FOS temperatures. The results highlight the limitations of existing rotorcraft FOS to cope with the high values of thermal loads associated with hybridization for the cases examined. Hence, new ideas and embodiments should be identified and assessed. The case of exploiting the fuel tank as a heat sink is investigated and the results indicate that recirculating fuel to the fuel tank can enhance the cooling capacity of conventional FOS.

scholarly journals Comparison of Diesel-Electric with Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System Safety Using System-Theoretic Process Analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bolbot ◽  
G Theotokatos ◽  
E Boulougouris ◽  
D Vassalos
Keyword(s):  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Cruise Ship ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Electric Propulsion System ◽  
Automation And Control ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
And Control

Cruise ship industry is rapidly developing, with both the vessels size and number constantly growing up, which renders ensuring passengers, crew and ship safety a paramount necessity. Collision, grounding and fire are among the most frequent accidents on cruise ships with high consequences. In this study, a hazard analysis of diesel-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion system is undertaken using System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA). The results demonstrate significant increase in potential hazardous scenarios due to failures in automation and control systems, leading to fire and a higher number of scenarios leading to propulsion and power loss in hybrid-electric propulsion systems than on a conventional cruise-ship propulsion system. Results also demonstrate that STPA enhancement is required to compare the risk of two propulsion systems.

scholarly journals Conceptual design of small aircraft with hybrid-electric propulsion systems

Energy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 204 ◽  
pp. 117937 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Sziroczak ◽  
Istvan Jankovics ◽  
Istvan Gal ◽  
Daniel Rohacs
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
Small Aircraft

Life Cycle Analysis for a Powertrain in a Concept for Electric Power Generation in a Hybrid Electric Aircraft

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Schneider ◽  
Jens Dickhoff ◽  
Karsten Kusterer ◽  
Wilfried Visser
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Aircraft Engine ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Civil Aviation ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Hybrid Propulsion ◽  
Hybrid Electric ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In the recent decades, civil aviation was growing 4.7% per annum. In order to reduce emissions promoting the global warming process, alternative propulsion systems are needed. Full-electric propulsion systems in aviation might have the potential for emission-free flights using renewable energy. However, several research efforts indicate electric propulsion only seems feasible for small aircraft. Especially due to the low energy density of batteries compared to fossil fuels. For this reason, hybrid propulsion systems came into focus, combining the benefits of all-electric and conventional propulsion system concepts. It is also considered as bridging technology, system test and basis for component development — and therewith paves the way towards CO2 free aviation. In the ‘HyFly’ project (supported by the German Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm LuFo V-3), the potential of a hybrid electric concept for a short/mid-range 19 PAX aircraft is assessed — not only on system but also on single component basis. In a recent study, the propulsion architecture and the operating mode of the gas turbine and the electric components have been defined [1]. In this paper, the advantages of the hybrid propulsion architecture and a qualitative assessment of component life are presented. Methods for life time prediction for the aircraft engine, the electric motor, the reluctance generator and the battery are discussed. The impact of turbine inlet temperature on life consumption is analyzed. The life cycle of the aircraft engine and the electric components including gradual component deterioration and consequent performance degradation is simulated by using an in-house gas turbine simulation tool (GTPsim). Therefore, various effects on electric propulsion system can be predicted for the entire drivetrain system in less than one hour.

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