Improving the Dynamic Behavior of a Hybrid Electric Rotorcraft for Urban Air Mobility

Abstract

A rising number of aerospace manufacturers are working on the development of new solutions in the field of Urban Air Mobility with increasing attention addressing electric and hybrid electric propulsive systems. Hybrid electric propulsive systems potentially offer performance improvements during transient maneuvers, as well as sustaining the engine during flight phases characterized by high power demands. Among the challenges of hybridization in rotorcraft, there is the necessity to predict the dynamic behavior and its effect on the control of rotor shaft speed. In the present study, the dynamic behavior of a parallel hybrid electric propulsive system for a coaxial-rotor air taxi is analyzed in response to a typical sequence of pilot commands that encompasses the range of operations from hover to forward flight. The system is modeled with a dynamic approach and includes sub-models for the coaxial rotors, the turboshaft engine, the electric machine, and the battery. The results of the investigation show a better performance during transients of the hybrid system than a conventional turboshaft configuration, especially if the electric contribution to the power request is coordinated to account for the lag due to slower engine dynamic response.