Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OFELIA (Open Fan for Environmental Low Impact of Aviation)
Période du rapport: 2022-11-01 au 2023-06-30
Decarbonising aviation is the greatest challenge facing the air transport industry. The open fan engine architecture is in line with the Clean Aviation Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), which prioritises the development of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of small-medium range (SMR) aircraft. Since the engine is essential in this effort, the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) Open Fan architecture is the most promising solution concerning fuel efficiency to achieve 20 % emissions reduction. The EU-funded OFELIA project will demonstrate the RISE Open Fan architecture for SMR aircraft as a key contributor to the Air Transport Action Group’s goals towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
Reducing SMR aircraft environmental impact is a priority of the Clean Aviation SRIA, which objective is to have technologies ready for the future generation of SMR aircraft.
The engine is key in this effort and the Open Fan engine architecture is the most promising solution in terms of fuel efficiency to both achieve environmental goals (20% emissions reduction versus 2020) and target a rapid Entry into Service, as early as 2035.
In synergy with national programs, OFELIA will gather a large European consortium to contribute to the RISE technology demonstration announced in June 2021.
OFELIA aims to demonstrate at TRL5 the RISE Open Fan architecture, for the SMR to achieve or surpass the Air Transport Action Group’s goals on the way towards Carbon neutrality by 2050.
To this end, OFELIA will focus on this high TRL full scale demonstration of the engine architecture and on the development of key enablers for the Open Fan.
OFELIA will allow installation of an increased fan diameter on a conventional aircraft configuration, thanks to innovative turbomachinery technical solutions.
Following the architecture definition, OFELIA will perform a large-scale Open Fan engine ground test campaign, deliver flightworthy propulsive system definition and prepare an in-flight demonstration for the phase 2 of Clean Aviation.
The project will also optimize the engine installation with the airframer and address certification, in close collaboration with airworthiness authorities, taking advantage of the permit-to-fly activity.
OFELIA will then deliver a TRL5 Open Fan engine architecture for SMR, demonstrate a credible path to 20% CO2 reduction versus 2020 and prepare the path to flight tests to consolidate the roadmap for EIS2035.
As part of the technology maturation plan, the compatibility of Open Fan to hydrogen will be investigated in coordination with H2 pillar.
Reducing SMR aircraft environmental impact is a priority of the Clean Aviation SRIA, which objective is to have technologies ready for the future generation of SMR aircraft.
The engine is key in this effort and the Open Fan engine architecture is the most promising solution in terms of fuel efficiency to both achieve environmental goals (20% emissions reduction versus 2020) and target a rapid Entry into Service, as early as 2035.
In synergy with national programs, OFELIA will gather a large European consortium to contribute to the RISE technology demonstration announced in June 2021.
OFELIA aims to demonstrate at TRL5 the RISE Open Fan architecture, for the SMR to achieve or surpass the Air Transport Action Group’s goals on the way towards Carbon neutrality by 2050.
To this end, OFELIA will focus on this high TRL full scale demonstration of the engine architecture and on the development of key enablers for the Open Fan.
OFELIA will allow installation of an increased fan diameter on a conventional aircraft configuration, thanks to innovative turbomachinery technical solutions.
Following the architecture definition, OFELIA will perform a large-scale Open Fan engine ground test campaign, deliver flightworthy propulsive system definition and prepare an in-flight demonstration for the phase 2 of Clean Aviation.
The project will also optimize the engine installation with the airframer and address certification, in close collaboration with airworthiness authorities, taking advantage of the permit-to-fly activity.
OFELIA will then deliver a TRL5 Open Fan engine architecture for SMR, demonstrate a credible path to 20% CO2 reduction versus 2020 and prepare the path to flight tests to consolidate the roadmap for EIS2035.
As part of the technology maturation plan, the compatibility of Open Fan to hydrogen will be investigated in coordination with H2 pillar.
The OFELIA project started in November 2022 and had the kick-off meeting held on January 26th and 27th 2023 in Villaroche, with the consortium composed of 26 beneficiaries and 2 affiliated entities.
The key activities planned in the first eight months (Reporting Period 1) have been activated and are in line with the plan: some important achievements have already been secured:
- Impact monotoring and roadmap to TRL5 for the key technologies and Open Fan architecture defined
- Technical Requirements and Needs defined
- Service contract has been put in place with EASA
- Synergies engaged with other Clean Aviation projects SMR-ACAP and HYDEA
The key activities planned in the first eight months (Reporting Period 1) have been activated and are in line with the plan: some important achievements have already been secured:
- Impact monotoring and roadmap to TRL5 for the key technologies and Open Fan architecture defined
- Technical Requirements and Needs defined
- Service contract has been put in place with EASA
- Synergies engaged with other Clean Aviation projects SMR-ACAP and HYDEA
The OFELIA project responds to urgent climate challenges by developing the Open Fan engine architecture, the most promising solution in terms of fuel efficiency to both achieve environmental goals (20% emissions reduction versus 2020) and target a rapid Entry into Service, as early as 2035. It aligns with the European Green Deal's call for climate neutrality and addresses aviation industries' significant carbon footprint. Through innovation, collaboration, and comprehensive testing, OFELIA aims to revolutionize aviation propulsion and contribute to a more sustainable future.
OFELIA definied its impact monitoring roadmap, describing the KPI, their targets at maturity gates and the contribution to Clean Aviation High Level Goals for the Open fan Demonstrator.
OFELIA definied its impact monitoring roadmap, describing the KPI, their targets at maturity gates and the contribution to Clean Aviation High Level Goals for the Open fan Demonstrator.