With the objective to assess potentially performant hybrid-electric architectures, this paper aims to present an aircraft performance level evaluation, in terms of range and payload, of the synergies between a hybrid-electric energy system configuration and a cryogenic fuel system.

    Design/methodology/approach

    An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is modeled using an aircraft performance tool, modified to take into account the hybrid nature of the system. The fuel and thermal management systems are modeled looking to maximize the synergistic effects. The electrical system is defined in series with the thermal engine and the performance, in terms of weight and efficiency, are tracked as a function of the cooling temperature.

    Findings

    The results show up to a 46 per cent increase in range and up to 7 per cent gain on a payload with a reference hybrid-electric aircraft that uses conventional drop-in JP-8 fuel. The configuration that privileges a reduction in mass of the electric motors by taking advantage of the cryogenic coolant temperature shows the highest benefits. A sensitivity study is also presented showing the dependency on the modeling capabilities.

    Practical implications

    The synergistic combination of a cryogenic fuel and the additional heat sources of a hybrid-electric system with a tendency to higher electric component efficiency or reduced weight results in a considerable performance increase in terms of both range and payload.

    Originality/value

    The potential synergies between a cryogenic fuel and the electrical system of a hybrid-electric aircraft seem clear; however, at the present, no detailed performance evaluation at aircraft level that includes the fuel, thermal management and electric systems, has been published.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Synergistic hybrid-electric liquid natural gas drone: S.H.I.E.L.D


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2020-02-27


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Hybrid drone

    KOO SEUNG MO / NAM SEOK HYUN / NAM KI HO | European Patent Office | 2019

    Free access

    Hybrid Drone

    CHAE SEOK GEUN | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    Hybrid drone

    KOO SEUNG MO / NAM SEOK HYUN / NAM KI HO | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Hybrid Drone

    European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access

    HYBRID DRONE

    KOO SEUNG MO / NAM SEOK HYUN / NAM KI HO | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access