Periodic Reporting for period 2 - AMBER (InnovAtive DeMonstrator for hyBrid-Electric Regional Application)
Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-06-30
AMBER is a demonstrator which aims to mature, integrate and validate key technologies necessary for a megawatt class hybrid electric propulsion system ( ̴ 2MW) powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The project, in the frame of Clean Aviation, will study integration of hybrid electric components - including a motor/generator, power converters, power transmission systems – with fuel cells for rig testing in the mid-2020s, using Avio Aero’s advanced Catalyst turboprop engine; the architecture envisioned is a parallel hybrid configuration.
The project is part of the Avio Aero and GE Aerospace portfolio of suitable technologies for a more sustainable future of flight.
The target is to support to Clean Aviation objectives and to significantly reduce GHG emissions in line with the SRIA targets.
The project is part of the Avio Aero and GE Aerospace portfolio of suitable technologies for a more sustainable future of flight.
The target is to support to Clean Aviation objectives and to significantly reduce GHG emissions in line with the SRIA targets.
The project was successfully kicked off in January 2023 with a two-day meeting held in Turin. Twenty-one partners and the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking attended. The kick-off provided an opportunity to present the project’s ambition and its alignment with European targets. AMBER details were shared with the CAJU members, particularly the rationale behind the Catalyst and fuel cell-based AMBER architecture, the high-level objectives of the project, and the demonstration strategy, which will focus on several rig tests in the first phase of Clean Aviation.
During the first months of the project, there was a continuous resource ramp-up. The team prioritized activities critical to meeting key project milestones, and the assessment of components configuration began. Specifically, the effort focused on defining requirements at the propulsion system level, enabling the flow-down to the sub-system and component levels.
Trade-off and design studies related to key components of the propulsion systems were initiated (thermal management system, power gearbox, control system, electrical drive, and fuel cell system). The technical focal points for the key technologies and sub-systems consolidated the plan to achieve the expected technological readiness level and contribute to the demonstration phase of the project. AMBER partners also worked on the interface specification between modules.
Finally, the preparation of Conceptual Design Reviews (CDR) at the components/modules level was activated and finalized over the last year. The review process included complex reviews with technical experts to validate the review completion. The closure of these CDRs enabled the achievement of the CDR at the Propulsion System Level, one of the key milestones of the AMBER project.
Additionally, there has been a focus on transversal activities such as cooperation among Clean Aviation projects and engagement with the certification authority (EASA). Thanks to close cooperation and continuous dialogue, the team has been able to meet all the deliverables and milestones related to certification activities on time. The interaction with EASA is particularly meaningful for anticipating discussions on the introduction of innovative technologies and ensuring their smooth integration as targeted by the SRIA.
Regarding project management aspects, the main processes for the execution of the project have been clarified and established. AMBER governance is fully operational with technical and administrative meetings. Interaction and communication across work packages are established through regular meetings. The project has been assessed through two official reviews from CAJU (October 2023 and April 2024).
During the first months of the project, there was a continuous resource ramp-up. The team prioritized activities critical to meeting key project milestones, and the assessment of components configuration began. Specifically, the effort focused on defining requirements at the propulsion system level, enabling the flow-down to the sub-system and component levels.
Trade-off and design studies related to key components of the propulsion systems were initiated (thermal management system, power gearbox, control system, electrical drive, and fuel cell system). The technical focal points for the key technologies and sub-systems consolidated the plan to achieve the expected technological readiness level and contribute to the demonstration phase of the project. AMBER partners also worked on the interface specification between modules.
Finally, the preparation of Conceptual Design Reviews (CDR) at the components/modules level was activated and finalized over the last year. The review process included complex reviews with technical experts to validate the review completion. The closure of these CDRs enabled the achievement of the CDR at the Propulsion System Level, one of the key milestones of the AMBER project.
Additionally, there has been a focus on transversal activities such as cooperation among Clean Aviation projects and engagement with the certification authority (EASA). Thanks to close cooperation and continuous dialogue, the team has been able to meet all the deliverables and milestones related to certification activities on time. The interaction with EASA is particularly meaningful for anticipating discussions on the introduction of innovative technologies and ensuring their smooth integration as targeted by the SRIA.
Regarding project management aspects, the main processes for the execution of the project have been clarified and established. AMBER governance is fully operational with technical and administrative meetings. Interaction and communication across work packages are established through regular meetings. The project has been assessed through two official reviews from CAJU (October 2023 and April 2024).
The AMBER project targets to support the SRIA objectives and to significantly reduce CO2 emission by at least 50 % compared to 2020 state of the-art regional aircraft. AMBER recognises the importance of regional aviation in leading the way towards sustainability and achieving ambitious environmental goals. The project is a step towards decarbonising aviation and reducing pollutant emissions.