A collaborative consortium was formed to develop hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan technology for future aircraft propulsion systems. Supported by Clean Aviation, MTU, Pratt & Whitney, Collins, GKN Aerospace and Airbus aim to show the potential for these technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce aircraft emissions.
Coordinated by MTU, the group’s goal is to achieve up to 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions in comparison with today’s propulsion systems for short- and medium-ranged aircraft.
The Sustainable Water-Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics (SWITCH) project will focus on the development of a novel propulsion concept, built from two synergetic technologies, water-enhanced turbofan and hybrid-electric propulsion. This combination with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF™ engine architecture will allow the SWITCH to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions across the full operating envelope of an aircraft.
“This highly impactful SWITCH consortium provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of both WET and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies, not only independently, but as parts of a system,” said Dr. Stefan Weber, Senior VP, Engineering and Technology, at MTU. “WET offers considerable potential to boost efficiency and reduce all emissions significantly for future aircraft propulsion systems, whether they are powered by conventional kerosene, SAF, or even hydrogen. Since the concept is gas turbine based, the WET concept fully leverages MTU’s expertise.”
Efficiency in all phases of flight is achieved by leveraging megawatt-class electric motor generators, power electronics and batteries to optimize the performance of fuel-burning gas turbines. Water vapor from the engine exhaust is recovered using the WET concept and then re-injected into the combustion chamber to improve fuel efficiency.
“This project will enable us to advance several key technologies on our roadmap to further extend the efficiency of the GTF engine architecture,” said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president, Engineering and Technology, at Pratt & Whitney. “Given the challenge of reducing the environmental impact of aviation, cross-industry collaboration and public-private partnerships like Clean Aviation will play a vital role in delivering the technology breakthroughs needed to make net zero emissions aviation a reality.”
Airbus will provide expertise in the integration of SWITCH technologies at the aircraft level. GKN will develop various engine structures with new functions, such as integrated electric machines and heat exchangers.
Collins will provide megawatt-class electric motor generators and power electronics, high-voltage DC distribution and protection, thermal management components and nacelle architectures for the project.
“Hybrid-electric propulsion technology is a key enabler for increased efficiency across multiple different aircraft applications, from advanced air mobility to commercial airliners,” said Mauro Atalla, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology for Collins Aerospace.” Working with Clean Aviation and the SWITCH consortium, we will accelerate the development of these critical technologies from our state-of-the-art facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and the UK.”
Funding for Phase 1 of SWITCH extends to 2025 and includes testing of the hybrid-electric GTF engine, WET technology and sub-system laboratory testing and design activity around an integrated hybrid-electric and WET cycle propulsion system. The project is in support of the net zero goal, aiming to have net zero emissions in aviation by 2050.
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