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Modular Approach to Hybrid Electric Propulsion Architecture

PROJECTS
Funding
European
European Union
Duration
-
Status
Complete
Geo-spatial type
Other
Total project cost
€8 979 179
EU Contribution
€8 979 179
Project Acronym
MAHEPA
STRIA Roadmaps
Transport electrification (ELT)
Low-emission alternative energy for transport (ALT)
Transport mode
Airborne icon
Transport policies
Environmental/Emissions aspects
Transport sectors
Passenger transport,
Freight transport

Overview

Link to CORDIS
Objectives

The overall objective of MAHEPA is to bridge the gap between the research and product stage of a low emission propulsion technology to meet the environmental goals for aviation towards the year 2050.

Two variants of a low emission, high efficiency, serial-hybrid-electric propulsion architecture will be advanced to TRL 6: the first uses a hydrocarbon fuelled internal combustion engine and an electric generator as primary power source, while in the second a hydrogen fuel cell is used to produce power showcasing the flexibility of the architecture. Common to both variants is the power control module, used to implement advanced power management methods to optimize mission, range and emissions of hybrid electric aircraft, and the new power electronic devices namely a highly efficient, airborne qualified electric propulsion motor and next-generation inverter technology. The modular approach is further demonstrated by integration and flight testing of each variant on a different small aircraft to showcase flexibility and scalability of the powertrain. A visionary implementation study towards commercial/transport category aircraft rounds up the project.

The core value of MAHEPA is to build-up technological know-how and use flight test data to validate performance, efficiency and emission reduction capabilities of above technologies. This will allow to make conclusions about the suitability of these solutions towards megawatt-scale hydrocarbon driven hybrids and zero-emission hydrogen-powered solutions. For small aircraft this propulsion system development can be the door opener for a commercialized, new, low emission, highly efficient airplane category.

Funding

Parent Programmes
Institution Type
Public institution
Institution Name
European Commission
Type of funding
Public (EU)
Specific funding programme
H2020-EU.3.4.

Partners

Lead Organisation
Organisation
Pipistrel Doo Podjetje Za Proizvodnjo Zracnih Plovil
Address
GORISKA CESTA 50A, 5270 AJDOVSCINA, Slovenia
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€3 286 250
Partner Organisations
Organisation
Compact Dynamics Gmbh
Address
MOOSSTRASSE 9, 82319 STARNBERG, Germany
EU Contribution
€1 808 719
Organisation
Universitaet Ulm
Address
HELMHOLTZSTRASSE 16, 89081 ULM, Germany
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€1 234 610
Organisation
Deutsches Zentrum Fr Luft Und Raumfahrt E.v
Address
Linder Hoehe, 51147 KOELN, Germany
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€1 409 603
Organisation
H2Fly Gmbh
Address
AXTLESTRASSE 6, 70599 STUTTGART, Germany
EU Contribution
€205 023
Organisation
Univerza V Mariboru
Address
Slomskov Trg, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€477 475
Organisation
Politecnico Di Milano
Address
Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€291 875
Organisation
Technische Universiteit Delft
Address
., 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands
EU Contribution
€265 625

Technologies

Technology Theme
Aircraft propulsion
Technology
Aviation hybrid electric powertrain
TRL
TRL 6
Development phase
Demonstration/prototyping/Pilot Production

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