Performance analysis of hybrid electric and distributed propulsion system applied on a light aircraft. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bravo, Guillem Moreno; Praliyev, Nurgeldy; Veress, Árpád
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 214(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Aircraft -- Hybrid-electric propulsion system -- Range equation -- Distributed propulsion system -- CFD analysis; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118823
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Aircraft industry is still in the early stages of pure electric propulsion systems development, the main concern is the significant mass of batteries. As such, hybrid electric systems have gained much stakeholder attention in the recent years. At the same time, interest in distributed propulsion systems is also increasing, due to the improvement in aerodynamic efficiency compared to conventional configurations. This paper investigates these two fields, presenting the results of two correlated studies. The first study deals with: i. The relevance of the purely electric propulsion systems and their comparison to conventional ones and ii. Hybrid propulsion systems and the suitable hybrid configuration for light aircraft using the normalized range factor and range analysis. The outcome of the first investigation has been used in the second study to build a distributed propulsion architecture and complete a comparative CFD analysis to demonstrate the advantages of the new concept compared to the baseline configuration. Highlights: The only electric motor based propulsion system is not suitable for light aircraft. Piston engine is optimal for hybrid-electric propulsion system for light aircraft. Parallel-hybrid propulsion system is preferable for light aircraft than the series. Distributed prolusion system (DPS) can reduce the drag and lift force too. Simulation driven nacelle design is required for utilizing all benefits of DPS.