Concept

Approach

Review of state-of-the-art component technologies in alternative propulsion architectures

Focus on efficiency and TRL of each component of the powertrain

Demonstrate feasibility and benefits of alternative powertrain concepts for small commuter aircrafts

Propose evolutionary concepts based on (i) SoA (ii) assuming near term realistic performance targets & making reasonable assumptions regarding performance levels to be achieved in the longer term future

Expected outcomes

Sizing and layout of the components

Identification of scientific and technical challenges for the successful deployment of the proposed concepts

Categorization and specification of gaps from the current state-of-the-art technologies to the required performance for a viable commuter 19-pax aircraft

Optimization of the selected powertrain architecture(s)

Efficiency, weight, sizing, inherent issues (component cooling, electro-magnetic interference and compatibility, arcing etc.)

Analyze new efficient aircraft configurations by considering novelties on hybrid-electric architectures

Expected outcomes

Full design loop (Multivariable trade study considering all studied alternative propulsion architectures)

Primary performance parameters and fault-tolerance scenarios related to the reliability/availability criteria

Conceptual design of the aircraft (Preliminary 3D CFD & Structural analysis)

Integration of powertrain components in the airframe and holistic optimization

Optimization with respect to: Mass and center of gravity, power management strategies, certification requirements, fuel/energy consumption, related emissions and noise, operating costs

Expected outcomes

Environmental performance prediction (CO2, NOx, noise)

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for the selected architecture(s)

Advise on the required steps toward the progress needed in improving individual system components performance

Upgrade potential: Regarding payload/range capability based on component selected technology