In the reporting period, the core of the work performed in SWITCH covered:
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion & WET Concept Elaboration:
The Water Enhanced Turbofan (WET) Concept Review was concluded in March and follow-up activities from this Review took until Q3.
The Concept Review revealed important challenges that lead the consortium to propose a re-orientation of the SWITCH project. The core principle of the WET concept, recovery of waste heat of the engine, will be further matured in the WHR (waste heat recovery) concept.
In Q4, WHR Concept optimization studies were launched, and the Biennial Model Based Performance Estimate was provided to CAJU Impact Monitoring. Additionally, the Methodology for SMR Engine Assessment was completed, marking another key achievement for the year.
The Hybrid-Electric Propulsion (EAP) concept work package achieved a major milestone with the completion of its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in June, followed by the issuance of the EAP engine Preliminary Design Report in July.
Hybrid-Electric Engine Demonstrator:
For the electrical powertrain, several component Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) were completed, and critical actions for the EAP system PDR were closed. Progress continued on interfaces and requirements, aid definition and concretization of test objectives for the upcoming powertrain Labtest (GRID test).
WET Technology Maturation:
Throughout the year, the WET Technology Maturation project achieved several significant milestones across various components. With the transition from WET to WHR, most key technologies are retained since they continue to be relevant for the waste-heat recovery concept, or since their singular contributions are positively impacting the project KPIs.
The condenser rig was commissioned in Q1, and testing began. Although activities were put on hold in Q3 for further restructuring, work performed on the Matrix Design & Optimization Tool was concluded and delivered in Q4.
The first test campaign for the combustor was launched at DLR in Q1 and continued successfully into Q3 with steam injection, marking a key achievement for the year.
The vaporizer cold demonstrator concept review was completed in Q1, and the vaporizer design report was issued, with activities progressing according to plan throughout the year.
The water recovery test campaign began in Q1 and continued steadily, showing consistent progress.
