First focus was to establish the reference baseline for the project. FP50 produced reference, open, TLAR, coupled with different missions, enabling evaluation of concepts at A/C and for different airline profiles. To further support benchmarking, a conventional 50PAX ref. A/C was also created and made available.
Figures of Merit (FoM) were developed, enabling trade-off assessments and comparisons, as well an initial overview and evaluation of different energy management strategies for hybrid-electric A/C.
A new methodology for A/C design and design space exploration based in set-based design was proposed, that enables fast exploration of what-if scenarios. In combination with the decision-making environment it was possible to explore and find answers to the questions raised in A/C assessment and the test matrix. The source code is available through the FUTPRINT50 GitHub channel.
An integrated design, simulation and analysis platform for the evaluation of specific energy systems was developed and implemented.
The energy storage focused on the battery technology. A new battery design methodology and corresponding models have been developed. They consider: electro-thermal design, battery lifetime, but also the battery safety. The design methodology also includes fast calculation surrogate battery models.
For energy harvesting, the modelling of propulsive and regenerative propulsion modes is well under way. Wind-tunnel experiments with an isolated propeller were conducted. After examining the findings, augmented wind-tunnel experiments with installed tip-mounted propeller configuration have been carried out. Also, the application of novel techniques for acoustic data processing have been investigated.
The technology assessment for the thermal management system has been completed. From there, the first set of requirements are derived. Integrations tools for the electric power train were demonstrated.
The model-based engineering approach was adopted for the integration of electric motors and propellers and also battery sizing. The time domain simulations and sizing simulations for the components of electric power distribution were presented. Gas turbine models, electric machine models, and power electronics model maps for design and off-design were provided as a dataset.
The overall A/C assessment was carried out. First, an extensive initial sizing was performed to investigate a multitude of hybrid-electric architectures and their potential performance. On this basis, a configuration was selected which was investigated. By developing a sizing tool, the A/C was properly sized and its performance estimated, including high-fidelity surrogate models to represent novel subsystems and to assess potential synergies.
Performing focused design sensitivity studies, the impact of different technologies and technology levels onto the A/C performance were investigated.
FUTPRINT50 evaluated the A/C through FoM, including emissions and operating costs. FoM can be easily adjusted for different objectives, allowing for optimization beyond CO2 focus. The evaluation based on the FoM yields a total improvement of 19.5%. Breakdown analysis reveals a notable improvement in NOX emissions, which show an 80.9% enhancement.
Experimental validation of technologies were performed for batteries, and for propeller aerodynamics. Safety experiments were performed to study the thermal runaway A first mechanical model has been defined for a battery. In the latter, wind tunnel experiments were performed for aero-acoustics analysis of propeller-wing interaction and wing-tip propeller effect.
In addition, a roadmap for regional hybrid-electric A/C has been produced, emphasizing on the key enabling technologies and their interactions. The roadmap shall connect with other colleagues in industry and academia, with members of the Commission and public. See futprint50.eu/roadmap.
Finally, a decision-making software environment has been developed to facilitate an interactive visualization of multidimensional data with multiple views. Available through the FUTPRINT50 GitHub channel.
The FUTPRINT50 project excelled in developing a versatile communication strategy, reaching a diverse range of audiences. The strategy effectively reached the scientific community, commercial stakeholders, industrial representatives, policy makers, regulatory bodies, and the general public.
FUTPRINT50’s multifaceted approach achieved extensive outreach and made a noteworthy impact.
https://zenodo.org/communities/futprint50h2020project/(opens in new window)
