Work performed and main results:
1] Literature review and analysis of 'State-of-the-Art’ (SoA) technologies. The respective TRLs (Technology Readiness Level), the challenges and opportunities for each part of the powertrain have been identified.
2] Identification of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for each component of the propulsion system (gas turbine - GT, electrical power system - EPS, thermal management system - TMS).
3] Standalone tests at component and sub-component level have been completed. Therefore, performance and sizing modules are available to determine the characteristics of the following: GT, EPS, TMS, aircraft, mission and power management strategy.
4] HECARRUS framework development for the full-loop integrated design has been prepared and design space exploration has been performed, for each component. Results include criticalities for all components such as GT operability, EPS voltage variations and trade-offs, TMS cooling architectures and redundancy considerations for safety.
5] Development of the hybrid-electric aircraft sizing and a methodology that accounts for the components' positioning, within the airframe. The sizing of the first concept is linked with a down-selection assessment, the purpose of which has been to evaluate a family of hybrid-electric architectures and allow for the qualification of the most promising concepts. The aircraft static stability and trim analysis are also calculated.
6] Higher-fidelity simulations (CFD, FEM) at specific parts of the aircraft: Evaluation of wing's structural aspects and aft-fan engine's aerodynamic characteristics.
7] Life Cycle Analysis and direct operating costs: A methodology has been developed, focusing on the operation phase of the inventory analysis of the aircraft.
The final assessment provides the overall environmental impact of the aircraft, on a holistic level.
8] Dissemination & Communication of results:
- Participation in conferences and other events, including the dedicated planning of a hybrid-electric panel session, with the sister projects of HECARRUS.
- Article publications.
- Project e-newsletters.
- Educational sessions and lectures provided by the academic institutions.
- Further communication of results to exploit the knowledge developed during the project's life cycle.
- Preparation of the project's e-Book as an overview of the results and activities performed.
9] Exploitation of results and Key Exploitable Results:
- Main HECARRUS configuration(s) / layout of integrated propulsion system and airframe.
- HECARRUS component/sub-component development.
- HECARRUS models and tools including results and databases.
- HECARRUS expert personnel.
- Open-access publications in international peer-reviewed journals/conferences.
- HECARRUS business models.
