Project acronym: HE-ART Full title: Hybrid Electric Propulsion System for Regional Aircraft Project number: 101102013 Programme: Horizon Europe, Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking Project duration: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2026 [cordis.europa.eu]
Popular science summary
Regional aviation plays an important role in transport, particularly in areas where other means of travel do not provide a viable alternative. At the same time, the aviation sector faces the challenge of reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and noise nuisance. The HE-ART project addresses these needs by developing an innovative turboprop propulsion concept combining a highly efficient thermal turboprop engine with an electric drivetrain and full compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel. The technologies developed within the project will be integrated and validated in a dedicated full-scale ground test demonstrator. [cordis.europa.eu]
Project objective
The main objective of HE-ART is to demonstrate the technical and operational viability of hybrid-electric turboprop propulsion for regional aircraft. The project integrates new technologies including a core thermal engine, electric drivetrain, electrical distribution system, gearbox, propeller, nacelle and heat exchanger. Combining these components is expected to improve propulsion efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. [cordis.europa.eu]
Project partners
The international HE-ART consortium brings together 35 participants representing aircraft, engine, propeller and aviation-system manufacturers, as well as universities and research organisations. The consortium is coordinated by Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG. Its participants include companies and organisations from the Airbus, Safran and Rolls-Royce groups, Avions de Transport Régional, Leonardo, Lodz University of Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, NTNU, SINTEF, ONERA, CENAERO and École Centrale de Lyon. [cordis.europa.eu]
Role of Lodz University of Technology
The team from the Institute of Turbomachinery at Lodz University of Technology is responsible for conducting numerical simulations of propeller-blade aerodynamics and optimising the propeller to reduce noise emissions under different operating conditions. The ambition of the research team is to propose new blade shapes and rotor configurations that reduce noise levels and nuisance while maintaining the required aerodynamic efficiency of the propulsion system. The work is carried out in close cooperation with Airbus Helicopters and researchers from Université Catholique de Louvain. The project coordinator at Lodz University of Technology is Professor Krzysztof Jóźwik.
Expected impact
HE-ART may contribute to the development of more efficient and lower-emission regional aviation. The integration of electric propulsion, an ultra-efficient thermal turboprop engine and sustainable aviation fuels is important for reducing the climate impact of air transport. At the same time, the research conducted by Lodz University of Technology on propeller-noise reduction may help decrease aviation nuisance for passengers, airport personnel and communities living near airports. The project results will be relevant to the development of new propulsion systems, quieter propellers and future regional aircraft designs. They will also extend scientific knowledge in aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and the integration of complex aviation systems. [cordis.europa.eu]
Project funding
The total project value is EUR 73,856,266.74, including an EU contribution of EUR 44,103,443.00. The funding allocated to Lodz University of Technology amounts to EUR 250,000.00. [cordis.europa.eu] Źródła / Sources: strona projektu HE-ART w serwisie Instytutu Maszyn Przepływowych PŁ oraz oficjalna karta projektu HE-ART w bazie CORDIS.