Design Considerations for the Electrical Power Supply of Future Civil Aircraft with Active High-Lift Systems

J.-K. Mueller, A. Bensmann, B. Bensmann, T. Fischer, T. Kadyk, G. Narjes, F. Kauth, B. Ponick, J. R. Seume, U. Krewer, R. Hanke-Rauschenbach and A. Mertens
Additional contact information
J.-K. Mueller: Institute for Drive Systems and Power Electronics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
A. Bensmann: Institute of Electric Power Systems, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
B. Bensmann: Institute of Electric Power Systems, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
T. Fischer: Institute of Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
T. Kadyk: Institute of Energy and Systems Engineering, TU Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
G. Narjes: Institute for Drive Systems and Power Electronics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
F. Kauth: Institute of Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
B. Ponick: Institute for Drive Systems and Power Electronics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
J. R. Seume: Institute of Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
U. Krewer: Institute of Energy and Systems Engineering, TU Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
R. Hanke-Rauschenbach: Institute of Electric Power Systems, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany
A. Mertens: Institute for Drive Systems and Power Electronics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: Active high-lift systems of future civil aircraft allow noise reduction and the use of shorter runways. Powering high-lift systems electrically have a strong impact on the design requirements for the electrical power supply of the aircraft. The active high-lift system of the reference aircraft design considered in this paper consists of a flexible leading-edge device together with a combination of boundary-layer suction and Coanda-jet blowing. Electrically driven compressors distributed along the aircraft wings provide the required mass flow of pressurized air. Their additional loads significantly increase the electric power demand during take-off and landing, which is commonly provided by electric generators attached to the aircraft engines. The focus of the present study is a feasibility assessment of alternative electric power supply concepts to unburden or eliminate the generator coupled to the aircraft engine. For this purpose, two different concepts using either fuel cells or batteries are outlined and evaluated in terms of weight, efficiency, and technology availability. The most promising, but least developed alternative to the engine-powered electric generator is the usage of fuel cells. The advantages are high power density and short refueling time, compared to the battery storage concept.

Keywords: hybrid energy systems; electrochemical energy conversion and storage; carbon-free energy; energy system design; active flow control; efficient energy conversion and distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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