Mechanical Components Design for a Hybrid Assisted Turbofan
Engine (HARTFE) Configuration for Future Aircraft propulsion
Introduction & Concept:
Technological advancements have increased air travel's
popularity but also resulted in higher emissions and pollution.
International organizations are developing greener aircraft and
airports. Hybrid engines, with electrical assistance and drive
options, are gaining traction. Researchers aim to reduce costs
and promote sustainable operations through improved
electromechanical components.
The research examines hybridization pf a triple spool turbo-fan
engine. Power is generated by an electro-mechanical
mechanism downstream of the turbine. For hybrid-mode
operation, a compressor-shielding mechanism is needed, which
involves a mechanical diaphragm during taxi and an electro-
mechanical clutch for power transmission to the Low-Pressure
Turbine, allowing lower power consumption and independent
fan and motor integration.
Methodology:
The research analyzes and enhances the performance of a
HARTFE configuration. It involves component matching for
hybrid-assisted operation, focusing on thermodynamic
parameters. The study covers engine design analysis, hybrid
operating mode selection, system analysis using GasTurb13®,
hybrid assist configuration selection, and design of electro-
mechanical power transmission and mechanical components
for compressor shielding and structural integrity.
Figure. 1
Figure 2 shows that after first stage fan compressor shielding
mechanism known as mechanical diaphragm is to be installed
and after low pressure turbine downstream mechanical node &
clutch mechanism and electromechanical transmission
mechanism is to be installed.
Figure. 2
Real Parametric Cyclic Analysis (PCA) was conducted using
GasTurb13® software. Station data for aircraft taxi operation were
obtained. Normal taxi operation were simulated, with a study of
performance and flow parameters. Adjustments were made to
the thermodynamic cycle for desirable results in component
design, electromechanical transmission. Low-pressure spool
compressor and turbine performance were assessed. Mechanical
efficiency for turbine stages was maintained at 98%. PCA
involved calculating the pressure and temperature values at
different stages of Turbofan Engine.
Battery analysis indicated support for fully electric taxis by 2035.
A clutch was installed downstream for power transmission.
Iteration 22 was chosen as the hybrid design point. The electrical
system compensated for a 9MW power deficit. A diaphragm
diverted air to the bypass for operations like electric taxi,
maximizing thrust with clutch engagement.
Results:
The table compares CFD results with analytical calculations for
the Electric Taxi mode, specifically for stage no. 21 (after turbofan)
and stage no. 22 (core inlet), accounting for the presence of a
diaphragm. It also compares CFD results with stage no. 13 and
stage no. 16 for the Hybrid Assisted Take-off mode, considering
the diaphragm between these stages during this mode.
Conclusion:
The designed electromechanical components can be integrated
into the engine for electrical and hybrid operation. The
diaphragm and clutch enable bypass and electric aircraft taxi.
Stagnation points are absent in the diaphragm design. The
configuration is for tail-mounted engines, not wing-supported.
References:
[1]
D. A. S. H. T. R. W. Rizwan Yousuf, “Yousuf Rizwan, Dr. Sarosh Ali,
Talat Hassan, Wajid Rameez, "Hybrid Assisted Regenerative
Turbofan Engine," A Case Study for XWB-84 Modification, p.1-11,
August 2019. Available: AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2019 Forum,”
A case study fow XWB-84 Modification, pp. 1-11, 2019.
[2]
P. Saeed Farokhi, Saeed Farokhi, Aircraft Propulsion, 2nd Edition,
John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2019, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd,
2014.
[3]
M. A. B. Younus A. Cengel, Younus A. Cengel & Michael A. Boles,
5th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2001, Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2001.