Abstract
The intent of this investigation was to survey the potential and establish an array of technical targets for future aircraft employing hybrid-electric battery-based voltaic-Joule/Brayton motive power systems with no additional electrical energy drawn from generators mechanically coupled to gas turbines. Irrespective of passenger accommodation (that is, 70 or 180 passengers), it was concluded that the trifan morphology (two underwing podded gas turbines and one aft-fuselage-mounted electrically driven motor) would be an appropriate choice. Although a battery cell-level gravimetric specific energy (referred to as “battery energy density”) of at least would be desirable, a less ambitious, yet still aggressive, target of for battery energy density was found to yield a worthwhile outcome. In terms of effecting a 15% block fuel reduction compared to a suitably projected gas-turbine-only year-2035 aircraft and, in keeping with the aforementioned technical recommendations design range targets of 900 nm (1666 km) and 1100 nm (2037 km) for 70-passenger and 180-passenger aircraft, respectively, were suggested. Finally, it was established assuming the trifan morphology normal conducting machines delivering shaft power output of 4.5 MW for the 70-passenger application and 8.5 MW for the 180-passenger aircraft would be required.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call