Aero-engines become more efficient and eco-friendlier Within the context of the EEFAE project a distributed and electrically controlled lubrication system has been successfully integrated in a novel aircraft engine. Climate Change and Environment The EEFAE is a technology platform that integrates a previously funded research activity within a broader strategy that focuses on developing future aircrafts. Aiming at improving both the efficiency and the environmental friendliness of gas turbine engines, passengers and operators may benefit from the cleaner, safer, quieter and less costly technology. Under this technology platform two types of vehicles were created, the ANTLE - Affordable Near Term Low Emissions - engine and the CLEAN - Component vaLidator for Environmentally friendly Aero eNgine. More specifically, the ANTLE engine is based on a three shaft unit including a small number of components of higher efficiency than those normally used. Key innovations involve inclusion of a high pressure compressor along with intermediate low pressure turbines, a low-cost turbine rear frame, a revised lubrication system and distributed engine controls. More specifically, the lubrication system was based on design specification set under a previous project, the ATOS project. The major parts of the system are electric motors, pumps, sensors, power electronics and advanced control electronics. The electrically driven pumps were mechanically independent of the high pressure compressor speed. This led to significant modifications in the control system design, such as a new design of alarm strategy for protecting the various engine components. Provision was also taken to record engine parameters for each engine condition and different open loop and closed loop control strategies have been successfully demonstrated. Additionally, electric motors were also designed, built and validated in an environment that represents a production engine. For more information click at: http://www.eefae.com.
