Perm Polytechnic has developed an energy system for a hybrid aviation engine.

Today, the limits of fuel efficiency in traditional turbofan aircraft engines are nearly reached. To develop more advanced models, fundamentally new approaches are required, such as the creation of hybrid or fully electric aviation power plants. Currently, the implementation of these technologies is hindered by underdeveloped energy storage solutions. Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University have designed a compact gas turbine power unit that can be utilized to drive a generator within a hybrid-electric turboprop or turbofan engine configuration.

2024-11-07 10:01:28https://naked-science.ru/article/column/aviatsionnogo-dvigatelya

The article was published in the journal "Herald of PNIPU. Aerospace Technology." The research was conducted as part of the strategic academic leadership program "Priority 2030."

“The project idea emerged due to the growing interest in developing 'more electric' and 'fully electric' aircraft engines. This is primarily related to the demands for reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere, the need to fulfill state decarbonization programs, and the increased prospects for the development of small aviation,” says Nikolai Sazhenkov, head of the youth project and technology bureau at the Advanced Engineering School of Aircraft Engine Engineering at PNIPU.

Scientists at Perm Polytechnic have developed a comprehensive mathematical model of a small-sized power plant capable of operating within a power range of 45-60 kW. The model takes into account gas dynamics processes and enables the achievement of required vibrational and strength characteristics. This will help address design challenges for turboprop engines based on hybrid-electric schemes.

Currently, the model has defined the preliminary design of the power plant and its structural and strength scheme. Work is already underway on the gas dynamic design of the flow part of the blade machines. The next stage will involve solving the tasks of ensuring stable joint operation of the components.

“Our development allows for determining the optimal combinations of pressure and gas temperature values in the operating cycle of the plant, which will ensure its greatest efficiency,” explains Nikolai Sazhenkov.

An analogue of the developed project is the hybrid power plant based on the VK-650V engine from JSC "ODK-Klimov," but it is aimed at application in a 500 kW power plant and addresses the potential needs of aircraft of a different, much larger size. The development by PNIPU scientists can be utilized in small-sized aircraft and regional aviation.

According to preliminary estimates, it will take three to five years to implement the finished product. However, even now, students involved in the project are gaining unique experience and becoming acquainted with real technologies and design tools for gas turbine engineering used in the aviation industry in Russia.