Among the advantages associated with the adoption of hybrid-electric power-trains in aviation is the greater flexibility that this type of propulsion system offers. This results in the ability to fly an assigned mission profile making suitable use of both the electric and fuel-burning power components, based on a power management strategy targeting diverse alternative specific needs, like for instance reduced energy consumption or lower noise emission. However, the greater flexibility of a hybrid-electric power-train comes together with an increased complexity in its design and operation. Integrated design procedures for hybrid-electric aircraft have been the target of previous works, whereas the present paper focuses on the quantification of the off-design characteristics of an already defined hybrid-electric design. To this aim, the power management strategy is considered as configurable. The problem of how to balance electric and mechanical power, accounting for the limited energy availability on board while coping with generic mission requirements, is investigated. In order to smartly obtain the desired strategy, the paper introduces an optimal approach, capable of reducing energy expenditure by properly setting the throttle of the fuel-burning and electric components, in coordination with the amount of battery recharging power. The method is explained with a rigorous mathematical approach, and thoroughly tested on a realistic test-bed.

Energy-optimal off-design power management for hybrid-electric aircraft

Riboldi C. E. D.
2019-01-01

Abstract

Among the advantages associated with the adoption of hybrid-electric power-trains in aviation is the greater flexibility that this type of propulsion system offers. This results in the ability to fly an assigned mission profile making suitable use of both the electric and fuel-burning power components, based on a power management strategy targeting diverse alternative specific needs, like for instance reduced energy consumption or lower noise emission. However, the greater flexibility of a hybrid-electric power-train comes together with an increased complexity in its design and operation. Integrated design procedures for hybrid-electric aircraft have been the target of previous works, whereas the present paper focuses on the quantification of the off-design characteristics of an already defined hybrid-electric design. To this aim, the power management strategy is considered as configurable. The problem of how to balance electric and mechanical power, accounting for the limited energy availability on board while coping with generic mission requirements, is investigated. In order to smartly obtain the desired strategy, the paper introduces an optimal approach, capable of reducing energy expenditure by properly setting the throttle of the fuel-burning and electric components, in coordination with the amount of battery recharging power. The method is explained with a rigorous mathematical approach, and thoroughly tested on a realistic test-bed.
2019
Hybrid-electric aircraft; Off-design testing; Optimal approach; Power management strategy
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
RIBOC_IP_02-19.pdf

Accesso riservato

Descrizione: Paper in Press
: Publisher’s version
Dimensione 4.58 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
4.58 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri
RIBOC_OA_02-19.pdf

Open Access dal 26/10/2021

Descrizione: Paper Open Access
: Post-Print (DRAFT o Author’s Accepted Manuscript-AAM)
Dimensione 1.8 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.8 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri
RIBOC02-19_Erratum.pdf

Accesso riservato

Descrizione: Erratum
: Altro materiale allegato
Dimensione 1.8 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.8 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/1119029
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 30
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 19
social impact