Hybrid Turbo Compound Fan Engine an Eco-Efficient Propulsion System for Aviation

Abstract

The path to electric propulsion systems depends on the development of powerful, compact and very light energy storage system with a high storage density. In order to create an environment-friendly intermediate solution in the medium term, especially for aircraft engines of medium power classes, it makes sense to use an innovative, electrically parallel hybrid unit based on rotary engines and electric boosters for start and climb phases as a propulsion system. An aero-engine application, based on the HSD concept (HSD = hybrid super-drive – hybrid Wankel rotary engine) for different hybrid-parallel propulsion systems is presented. In this article, the introduced technology is based on a currently produced family of multi-component Wankel rotary engines. The proposed HSD concept uses a chamber volume of 650ccm per rotor. The projected power range (0.8 to 1.36 MW) is covered by an innovative hybrid electric parallel turbo compound concept together with 2x4 rotary engine units. A novel, air-bearing turbo engine with integrated electric drive is used as a turbocharger for charging the rotary engine. For the aero-engine technology, the counter-rotating fan (CRF) concept shown as an example for an aircraft technology carrier (light jet) leads to a further increase in the efficiency of a complete system.

Review of the Integration of Hybrid Electric Turbochargers for Mass-Produced Road Vehicles

“…The specialized training of automotive technicians ensures that maintenance tasks related to the hybridized turbocharging system can be performed efficiently. Studies [41,59,[62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69] suggest that the long-term maintenance expenses of HET-equipped hybrid vehicles can be comparable to or even lower than those of traditional vehicles when considering factors such as fuel savings and extended battery life. The overall cost of ownership, including maintenance, becomes a critical parameter in the cost-benefit analysis for consumers considering HET-equipped hybrid vehicles.…”

“…A significant aspect of the cost-benefit analysis revolves around the savings in fuel consumption achieved through the integration of HETs. Research [65][66][67][68][69][70] has demonstrated that HET-equipped hybrid vehicles exhibit improved fuel efficiency, translating into tangible savings for the vehicle owner over the lifespan of the vehicle. Life cycle assessments examine the cumulative fuel savings and emissions reductions achieved by the widespread adoption of HET-equipped hybrid vehicles over their operational lifespan.…”

“…Life cycle assessments examine the cumulative fuel savings and emissions reductions achieved by the widespread adoption of HET-equipped hybrid vehicles over their operational lifespan. By considering factors such as manufacturing, fuel production, and vehicle disposal, life cycle analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts and sustainability implications of HET technology adoption on a societal scale [67,69]. Government incentives, tax credits, and fuel efficiency regulations further enhance the economic attractiveness of HET-equipped hybrid vehicles.…”

Functional Hazard Assessment of the Propulsion Control System Designed for a Small Hybrid Electric Aircraft

“…Connected directly to the the output shaft of the bevel gear is the propulsor's rotor. A similar transmission concept has already been investigated by Berg et al (2020).…”