Optimization of a hydrogen-based hybrid propulsion system under aircraft performance constraints

This paper addresses the topic of the conceptual design of a regional aircraft with hybrid electric propulsion based on hydrogen fuel cells.It aims at providing an optimization-based method to design a hybrid propulsive system comprising two power sources(jet fuel and hydrogen)for the generation of the required propulsive power and at studying the impact of fuel cell technologies on the aircraft performances.Indeed,by performing optimizations for two hybrid propulsive systems using either low temperature or high temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells,this study provides a preliminary assessment of the impact of the fuel cell operating temperature on the system design and the overall aircraft performance.First,this paper gives a description of the baseline turboprop regional aircraft with a focus on its high speed and low speed flight performances which will serve as requirements for the design of the hybrid aircraft.Then,the hybrid electric architecture and the sizing models of the propulsion system are presented.Finally,optimizations are performed to design two parallel hybrid propulsive systems based on different fuel cells technologies and aimed at minimizing the block fuel per passenger over a mission of 200 n mile.Results show how the proposed methodology and models lead to design two propulsive systems capable of reducing the fuel consumption per passenger by more than 30%compared to the baseline aircraft.The study also shows that the choice of fuel cell operating temperature has a first-order impact on the total mass.

Morphing wing flaps for large civil aircraft:Evolution of a smart technology across the Clean Sky program

Abstract Morphing wing structures are widely considered among the most promising technologies for the improvement of aerodynamic performances in large civil aircraft.The controlled adaptation of the wing shape to external operative conditions naturally enables the maximization of aircraft aerodynamic efficiency,with positive fallouts on the amount of fuel burned and pollutant emissions.The benefits brought by morphing wings at aircraft level are accompanied by the criticalities of the enabling technologies,mainly involving weight penalties,overconsumption of electrical power,and safety issues.The attempt to solve such criticalities passes through the development of novel design approaches,ensuring the consolidation of reliable structural solutions that are adequately mature for certification and in-flight operations.In this work,the development phases of a multimodal camber morphing wing flap,tailored for large civil aircraft applications,are outlined with specific reference to the activities addressed by the author in the framework of the Clean Sky program.The flap is morphed according to target shapes depending on aircraft flight conditions and defined to enhance high-lift performances during takeoff and landing,as well as wing aerodynamic efficiency during cruise.An innovative system based on finger-like robotic ribs driven by electromechanical actuators is proposed as morphing-enabling technology;the maturation process of the device is then traced from the proof of concept to the consolidation of a true-scale demonstrator for pre-flight ground validation tests.A step-by-step approach involving the design and testing of intermediate demonstrators is then carried out to show the compliance of the adaptive system with industrial standards and safety requirements.The technical issues encountered during the development of each intermediate demonstrator are critically analyzed,and justifications are provided for all the adopted engineering solutions.Finally,the layout of the true-scale demonstrator is presented,with emphasis on the architectural strengths,enabling the forthcoming validation in real operative conditions.

Aircraft nonlinear stability analysis and multidimensional stability region estimation under icing conditions

Icing is one of the crucial factors that could pose great threat to flight safety,and thus research on stability and stability region of aircraft safety under icing conditions is significant for control and flight.Nonlinear dynamical equations and models of aerodynamic coefficients of an aircraft are set up in this paper to study the stability and stability region of the aircraft under an icing condition.Firstly,the equilibrium points of the iced aircraft system are calculated and analyzed based on the theory of differential equation stability.Secondly,according to the correlation theory about equilibrium points and the stability region,this paper estimates the multidimensional stability region of the aircraft,based on which the stability regions before and after icing are compared.Finally,the results are confirmed by the time history analysis.The results can give a reference for stability analysis and envelope protection of the nonlinear system of an iced aircraft.