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Toroidal Propellers for Efficient and Sustainable Aviation

Project description

Robotic-manufactured toroidal-shaped propellers for aviation

Due to their unique design, toroidal propellers are advancing aircraft propulsion technology by increasing thrust efficiency and reducing noise. The EU-funded TorPropel project will develop and enhance toroidal-shaped propellers using advanced carbon composites and robotic manufacturing techniques. This technology aims to improve the performance, durability and sustainability of various propeller-driven aircraft. They include piston-driven and electric aircraft, VTOLs, UAVs and those with innovative designs like distributed propulsion systems. Key aspects of the project include creating lightweight, aerospace-grade materials while ensuring the propellers are recyclable and repairable. It will also integrate condition monitoring systems within the propellers for real-time structural health assessments, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs. The project will pave the way for quieter, short-distance air travel.

Objective

The TorPropel aims to advance aircraft propulsion technology by developing and upscaling propellers of toroidal geometry, which are distinguished for their thrust efficiency and noise reduction, utilising advanced carbon composites and state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing processes. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the performance of propeller-driven aircraft, a distinct category of aviation platforms ranging from smaller, piston driven or electric aircraft, to vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOLs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and even aircraft based on novel designs concepts, such as those featuring distributed propulsion systems. TorPropel sees the development of advanced, aerospace-grade carbon composites alongside the implementation of innovative robotic manufacturing solutions to ensure the achievement of critical performance objectives and a lightweight profile, while also prioritising the propellers' recyclability and repairability. Moreover, the project incorporates sophisticated condition monitoring systems directly into the propeller structure, essential for the real-time assessment of propeller structural health, thus ensuring safety, and considerably reducing the time and costs associated with maintenance. Overall, the TorPropel technology is expected to offer significant improvements in propeller performance, durability, weight, sustainability, and recyclability. The proposed technology is thus expected to have a significant contribution to the scientific field of aircraft propulsion technologies, improving upon the operational effectiveness and environmental sustainability of aviation and also by paving the way for a new era of short-distance air travel that is both quieter and environmentally friendly.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01

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Coordinator

PANEPISTIMIO IOANNINON
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 502 500,00
Address
PANEPISTEMIOYPOLE PANEPISTEMIO IOANNINON
45 110 IOANNINA
Greece

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 502 500,00

Participants (7)

Partners (1)

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