Impact of OEI requirement on parallel hybrid electric turboprop regional aircraft optimization

Abstract

Purpose Parallel hybrid electric (HE) propulsion retrofit is a promising alternative to reduce fuel burn of aircraft operating on short regional flights. However, if the batteries are depleted at the end of the mission, the hybrid powertrain designs with downsized gas turbines (GTs) and additional electric motors might not meet the one-engine inoperative (OEI) missed approach climb performance required by the certification. Alternatively, hybrid designs using the original full-size GT can perform one engine climb without electric assistance. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of overshoot climb requirements on powertrain design and performance comparing the two design approaches. Design/methodology/approach An aircraft-level parametric mission analysis model is used to evaluate aircraft performance combined with an optimization framework including multiple constraints. An indirect approach using metamodels is used to optimize powertrain sizing and operation strategy. Findings Considering OEI climb requirements, no benefits were found using a design with downsized GTs. Equivalent fuel burns were found for hybrid designs that keep the original size GTs, but do not require electric energy for the OEI overshoot at the end of the mission. Then, it is recommended to size the GT to maintain the emergency climb capabilities with no electric assistance to ensure power availability regardless of remaining battery energy. Originality/value This work introduces a new perspective on parallel HE sizing with consideration for the dependency of power capability at aircraft level on the electric energy availability in case of critical mission scenarios such as overshoot climb at the end of the mission.