Periodic Reporting for period 2 - CENTRELINE (ConcEpt validatioN sTudy foR fusElage wake-filLIng propulsioN intEgration)
Reporting period: 2018-12-01 to 2020-11-30
The PFC technology was rigorously benchmarked against a similarly advanced but conventional aircraft, the R2035. The PFC benchmarking covered aircraft-integrated performance and Cash Operating Cost (COC) assessments, as well as an evaluation against the environmental targets set by the ACARE Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for the year 2035. Both aircraft, the PFC and the R2035 were pre-designed and sized to a realistic set of Top-Level Aircraft Requirements (TLARs) in accordance with common industrial practices in aircraft family design. The set of TLARs based on a future market analysis that showed a mid-to-long range air transport task featuring 340 passengers and 6500nmi design range to be the most impactful scenario.
The CO2 and NOx emissions of the turbo-electric PFC configuration were assessed based on an optimised 2D PFC aero-shaping, assuming Lean Direct Injection combustion technology for the year 2035 engines. Based on a fully integrated multi-disciplinary aircraft design and performance synthesis, the CO2 reduction of the turbo-electric PFC was determined to be -4.7% against the R2035 or -36% relative to the year 2000 SRIA baseline. The PFC NOx emissions during ICAO LTO cycle were assessed to be -1.8% versus the R2035. Cruise NOx emissions of the PFC aircraft were -20% relative to the R2035 and -64% when compared to year 2000. The equivalent perceived noise levels of the PFC aircraft according to ICAO certification were found to be similar to the R2035, meaning a cumulative noise reduction of 12EPNdB relative to a year 2000 aircraft. The design mission COC for the PFC aircraft was assessed to be lower than for the R2035 as soon as the fuel price increases beyond US$ 1.5 per gallon, even if fuel taxation or carbon pricing and offsetting cost for the year 2035 are neglected.
CENTRELINE partners disseminated results in 7 journals and participated at 9 conferences. A Policy Maker Workshop was organized (Brussels, 2019) and dedicated CENTRELINE sessions have been held at ISABE and EASN conferences (2019). At the EC Aerodays (Bucharest, 2019) the wind tunnel model and a section of the fuselage fan blading were displayed. An animation video and a mock-up, featuring the PFC technology, have been produced.
The CENTRELINE technology concept features a particularly high innovation potential when compared to other disruptive aircraft configurations, as its environmental benefits are directly linked to the classic tube-and-wing arrangement. The baseline PFC arrangement features a high degree of synergistic compatibility with other highly advanced technologies, especially revolutionary core engines, high-temperature superconduction, ultra-efficient wing technologies or hydrogen fuel technology. As such, CENTRELINE has successfully made its contribution to achieving the FlightPath2050 emission goals.
CENTRELINE has formed a strong team of leading research and industrial stakeholders supporting Europe’s leading position in aviation. Several PhDs researchers have been working on topics of high interest to the aeronautical community. The publications produced through this research will be relevant to a large community of academic and industry researchers. The investments made in research and innovation in the CENTRELINE project and beyond will secure and generate highly skilled education and employment in industry as well as in academia.
In order to maximise the impact of work performed in CENTRELINE, its results were disseminated intensively through scientific publications, a high number of publicly available project reports, as well as frequent news updates, and dedicated public workshops announced through the project website and social media channels.