Project description DEENESFRITPL Fibre-optic technology for aircraft hot air leak detection Hot air ducts in aircraft construction convey engine exhaust-heated air to the cabin heating system. Some ducts are situated near carbon structures, which are more prone to overheating compared to metals. Although advanced electrical leak detection systems detect leaks in aircraft hot air ducts, they only signal when the critical temperature is surpassed. In this context, the EU-funded HADES project aims to develop an innovative, robust and dependable fibre-optic technology for detecting hot air leaks in aircraft. By selecting the most suitable fibre-optic technology, the project aims to surpass the limitations of electrical systems and fulfil the necessary requirements for aircraft applications. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Light carbon structures are increasingly used in modern aircrafts for reducing weight and thus fuel consumption. The carbon materials are more sensitive to overheating than metals. Hot air ducts are used to conduct air heated by engine exhaust to the cabin heating system. At several locations, those hot air ducts are installed within or in close proximity to the carbon structures. Therefore, reliable and precise hot air leak detection is an essential safety feature of modern aircrafts. The proposed activity aims at developing an innovative, powerful and reliable fibre-optic technology for an aircraft hot air leak detection system and validating it in a representative aircraft environment.State-of-the-art electrical hot air leak detection systems detect and localize leaks in aircraft hot air ducts by analyzing electric shortcuts. However, the response of such systems just indicates that the critical temperature is exceeded. It is impossible to vary the threshold setting along the cable and false alarms due to stray signals are common. Localization of leaks is difficult and the sensor cables are irreversibly damaged by exceeding the critical temperature.Based on our deep understanding of using fibre-optic sensing systems in harsh and safety-critical environments, LIOS will select the optimum fibre-optic technology for hot air leak detection in aircrafts, which overcomes the limitations of the electrical systems, complies with the requirements of the tender and fulfils the other essential requirements of aircraft applications. LIOS will demonstrate the technology’s capabilities, using a proof-of-concept system in the LIOS laboratories. After testing, we will re-design the demonstrator to enable a demonstration within an aircraft environment, allowing to pass the respective environmental tests and to fulfil the requested TRL of 6. The re-designed demonstrator will be installed at the facilities of the topic manager and tested in collaboration with the topic manager. Fields of science engineering and technologymechanical engineeringthermodynamic engineeringengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraftengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsfibre optics Programme(s) H2020-EU.3.4. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport Main Programme H2020-EU.3.4.5.6. - ITD Systems Topic(s) JTI-CS2-2017-CFP06-SYS-02-34 - Optical hot air leak detection system proof-of-concept development Call for proposal H2020-CS2-CFP06-2017-01 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme CS2-IA - Innovation action Coordinator LUNA INNOVATIONS GERMANY GMBH Net EU contribution € 399 000,00 Address SCHANZENSTRASSE 39 BUILDING D9-D13 51063 Koln Germany See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 570 000,00
