In the first period of the project a theoretical framework was developed that allows to model the basic components of a generic serial hybrid-electric propulsion system. These components, called modules, and their connection types, called interfaces, enable the development of different types of hybrid-electric propulsion systems. To validate the methodology, studies were performed on both airplanes developed in the project: the first is the ICE-hybrid, while the second is the FC-hybrid.
In parallel to the novel hardware and software development, several studies were started to frame a broader approach to hybrid-electric aviation. Assuming regional transportation can benefit from a 19-passenger and a 70-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft, research activities started to explore the infrastructure costs and burdens considering both the fast recharge and the battery swap case. Innovative aircraft design tools were developed to assess the economical utility and flight performance of new hybrid-electric 19- and 70-seater aircraft. In particular, tools for sizing novel hybrid-electric propulsion systems and hybrid-electric aircraft at conceptual level were developed and validated using experimental data from literature. In the next reporting period, these tools will be used to develop two design concepts, which will form the reference aircraft to estimate the environmental benefits and economic impact on society of hybrid-electric aviation.
In the second period all systems’ designs have been completed and components have been manufactured and tested. The two aircraft prototypes have been manufactured and are ready to begin ground testing.
The university partners continued with the work on the optimization of the power management and on scalability and market studies. Interesting results have been achieved about the modelling of transport demand and new route scenarios.
In the third and last period of the project, all the developments carried out through the first two periods lead to the successfull obtainement of the project's results. The two hybrid-electric aircraft developed by MAHEPA, the ICE-based hybrid-electric Pipistrel Panthera and the hydrogen fed hybrid-electric Hy4, successfully conducted their flight test campaign in 2021 and 2020 respectively. The flights showed the overall dramatic increase in performance of the two hybrid-electric powertrains integrated in the two airframes, leading the way towards a new era in propulsion technology and air transportation means.
The last period also showed the completion of the "side" activities of the project, wich the termination of all scalability and strategic studies. Conceptual studies on the future 19 and 70 seater hybrid-electric aircraft were completed together with outstanding analyses on potential market estimation of a future micro-feeder/miniliner service. Last but not least, future ground infrastructure needs and strategic goals for the introduction of greener aircraft in the aviation sector were analysed.
