Parallel hybrid electric propulsion architecture for single aisle aircraft - powertrain investigation

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the fuel- and energy-saving potential through the introduction of several hybrid electric propulsion (HEP) and more electric aircraft (MEA) systems on single aisle aircraft. More specifically, for an A320NEO the following main electric systems are considered: electric motors, batteries and power electronics for parallel HEP, electric components for replacement of the main pneumatic and hydraulic non-propulsive systems like environmental control system and actuators, and electric power transport and supply. The power sizing of the electric components, as well as their mass effects on overall aircraft mission performance are evaluated by system modelling of the aircraft, turbofan and the considered electric components. It is found for the considered aircraft and missions that the fuel saving potential of parallel HEP systems alone is very limited or absent. Typically the combination of HEP and MEA technologies shows potential for improved energy efficiency due to synergies of the involved systems and their operation.

Sustainable Aviation Electrification: A Comprehensive Review of Electric Propulsion System Architectures, Energy Management, and Control

“…Clean Sky 2 NOVAIR project [41,42] 150 PAX single-aisle large passenger aircraft (retrofitted on A320 NEO). Range: 800 nmi The technology levels of the electrical system components required by parallel hybrid electric architecture are investigated in [10] and presented in Table 5.…”

A Review of Concepts, Benefits, and Challenges for Future Electrical Propulsion-Based Aircraft

“…In the NOVAIR project-a consortium of Delft University of Technology and Netherland Aerospace Center (NLR)-proposes a parallel hybrid design of an A320 type aircraft. The design considers electric taxiing alongside electrification of the non-propulsive system and downscaling of the turbofan engine in the fuel burn and emission reduction assessment studies [87,[113][114][115]. Furthermore, the synergistic effects between the DEP system and the airframe are explored, establishing a suitable sizing methodology under the umbrella of this project [54].…”

Structural Power Performance Targets for Future Electric Aircraft

“…A parallel HEA configuration for the A320neo that also employs fully electrified subsystems (MEA) has been developed [71]. Using the electric motor to provide 15% of the take-off power and 10% of the climb power has been estimated to decrease the fuel consumption by 7% [94]. Both these studies considered battery energy densities of over 600 Wh/kg.…”

“…High-temperature superconducting (HTS) motors are the most promising technology for aerospace applications due to their high efficiency and power capabilities. HTS motors utilise superconducting material to create a higher magnetic flux than that from the permanent magnets used in conventional motors [94]. To achieve the high power output required for aircraft propulsion applications, AC current needs to be supplied to the HTS motors [95].…”