Newsletter 2021/4
MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
Sustainable aviation is finally within
one step closer to the goals of Europe’s
reach. The MAHEPA consortium has
Green Deal for making Europe climate-
spent the last four years exceeding
neutral by 2050.
expectations, achieving milestone after milestone, and proving that zeroemission flying is possible. There is no doubt that 2020 made aviation history because of the maiden flight of the perfected Hy4 aircraft.
This flight
demonstrated
technology
developed
that
within
the this
project
was
Fig. 1: The European Green Deal
successful not only on the ground but also in the air. MAHEPA created the technological foundation to enable clean, quiet, safe,
and
sustainable
aviation
by
demonstrating new technologies and showcasing that long-range and safe zero-emission flights are indeed possible. The achievements of 8 consortium partners have thus brought aviation
MAHEPA brings Europe Green Deal’s aviation goals one step closer to reality.
MAHEPA ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2020
model for the Rotax 915 iS was also developed to apply the test bench
The MAHEPA project’s success story
emission measurements in order to
would not have been possible without
estimate the real emissions generated
the knowledge and experience of all
during the Panthera test flights.
consortium partners. A motor test rig was constructed to Ulm
test the Compact Dynamics motors
completed its work on the PMCD module
in a climate chamber. To adapt to the
and, following the final adjustments, the
laboratory, a full control architecture
PMCD demonstrated its functionality
was developed and implemented to
during the Hy4 flight tests. At the same
simulate the main flight computer (MFC)
time, the emission measurements of
functions and to control the motor in a
the Rotax 915 iS were carried out at the
similar manner as to that during the Hy4
University of Ulm’s test laboratory. The
ground tests.
Last
year,
the
University
of
levels of CO, CO2, NOx, and unburned hydrocarbon concentrations measured for Super 98, Super E10, Super E20, and AvGas fuels showed clear variation in emissions levels based on fuel choice.
Reducing emissions is a key challenge for today‘s transportation technologies. By using the knowledge gained through experimental measurements, planning
With the developed methods in the test bench research, the ICE-hybrid
the optimal fuel as well as management
combustion engine can operate with
between battery and ICE usage makes
optimal exhaust emissions for the given
it possible to reduce emissions.
flight phase. Furthermore, the emission
MAHEPA Newsletter 2021/4
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MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
Fig. 2: Hy4 aircraft in flight
Hy4 PERFORMS FIRST FLIGHTS WITH AN IMPROVED 6TH GENERATION POWERTRAIN
MAHEPA were thoroughly improved and implemented in the controllers and the main flight computer. Optimized safety functions and system reliability were
Hy4
completed
an
achieved with the new firmware. The fuel
first
cell cooling system was integrated on
flights with the new and improved 6th-
the middle wing in such a way that the
generation powertrain. Prior to ground
cooling performance was significantly
testing, the fuel cell system, PMCD, and
improved. The Hy4’s fuel cell hybrid
drive unit were all installed on the middle
powertrain was designed for higher
wing. The control software functions in
performance and improved reliability.
astounding
its
year
achievement
–
with its
In November 2020, the hybrid-electric Hy4 aircraft, which was being perfected by H2FLY throughout the past three years, successfully completed more than 30 flights from Maribor Airport, achieving a major milestone for the MAHEPA project and the future of cleaner aviation. Initial qualification tests and data dissemination show that the fully redundant Hy4 powertrain architecture can be scaled up to larger aircraft,
enabling
AirTaxi,
The MAHEPA project allows us to develop emission free electric flight with hydrogen propulsion and together with our partners we can show that it is possible to fly emission free. Prof. Dr. Josef Kallo DLR
General
Aviation and Regional Aircraft to hold up to 40 seats and reach a range of 2.000 km.
The Hy4 hydrogen aircraft is innovative, quiet and climate-friendly. It shows that CO2-free aviation is already possible and feasible at present. This new method of flying has what it takes to change mobility in the long term.
Fig. 3: Hy4 development team
MAHEPA Newsletter 2021/4
Andreas Scheuer, German Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
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MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
HYBRID PANTHERA AWAITS THE GREEN LIGHT FOR TAKE-OFF
positioning process. The instrument panel, on the other hand, with its multiple dedicated systems used for monitoring
The focus of the past year has been on
and controlling the powertrain, needed
integrating the ICE- hybrid powertrain
a special set of qualification tests to
components
ensure the correct functioning of the
into
the
Panthera’s
fuselage and on ground testing.
entire powertrain.
Initially, a completely refurbished engine mount was manufactured and tested to safely accommodate the complex, hybrid-electric drivetrain. Subsequently, integration began in two parallel ways: installing of the high-power components (such as batteries, electric motor, internal combustion engine, etc.) and mounting the instrument panel. Installing the components, including many different systems and up to seven an
cooling
circuits,
necessitated
extremely
precise
components
Fig. 4: MAHEPA Panthera hybid-electric powertrain
was
MAHEPA Panthera’s flight tests will
concluded, the initial communication
initially focus on the determination of
and low-power ground tests were
the powertrain and flight performance,
successfully completed. The system
thus permitting the researchers to gain
responded as expected, therefore it was
a deeper understanding of how the
possible to move on to the high-power
system behaves flight. Once the first
ground tests, which are currently still
flight test phase is complete and the
Once
the
integration
phase
in progress. The results of the ground tests, which are promising, will soon enable the MAHEPA ICE-hybrid aircraft to finally take off on its most exciting journey, the flight test campaign.
flight envelope is expanded, the flight test campaign will shift to a series of missions which will explore the benefits of hybrid flight. From fuel consumption analysis
through
in-flight
chemical
emissions mapping, power management strategies, innovative human-machine interface spiral development and noise measurements, the MAHEPA project
The MAHEPA Panthera Hybrid will enable all-electric take-offs, reducing both chemical and noise emissions in the proximity of airports.
MAHEPA Newsletter 2021/4
will
provide
researchers
with
the
most comprehensive set of flight test data on hybrid-electric flight to date. With the ability to validate theoretical models with real flight test data, the future generation of hybrid-electric aircraft will improve efficiency and performance,
leading
the
aviation
industry into a new era of quieter and greener air transportation.
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MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO PROVIDE PRECISE RESULTS
such as take-off, climb, cruise, etc., and specific
power-intense
manoeuvres.
This subdivision into several segments Delft
University
of
Technology
requires additional boundary conditions
developed a mission simulator over
and thus computational effort to solve
the past year with the intention to
the problem.
determine the best mission trajectory and power management for both the fuel-cell aircraft (Hy4) and the hybridelectric ICE (Panthera) aircraft. The mission simulator provides two approaches to the optimization problem: the first one is single-phase, where the mission is considered as a whole. This is advantageous in terms of computational time, but some aspects cannot be
Fig. 5. An overall optimization block diagram
fully reproduced, such as the different
The simulator is an important step
aerodynamics due to the deployment of
towards the comprehensive evaluation
the flaps. On the other hand, the multi-
of flight characteristics, as well as to
phase approach allows a distinction to be
exploit the powertrain through the best
made between various flight segments,
management of the energy source.
Due to its modular approach, it allows the
The HYPERION tool allows fast and
consideration of different aircraft as well
accurate preliminary sizing of clean-
as different powertrains. Future activities
sheet design solutions based on mission
will be dedicated to the simulator’s
requirements. Design applications include
validation by evaluating possible solutions
a 19-pax commuter and a 70-pax regional
through actual test flights.
liner intended to substitute current aging
MARKET POTENTIAL OF HYBRIDELECTRIC AIRCRAFT
models and boost European mobility in
In addition to developing two novel
CHANCES (Component-based Hybrid-
hybrid-electric
the
electric Aircraft Noise and Chemical
MAHEPA project is also exploring new
Emission Simulation) allows the estimation
possibilities for regional transport and
of the environmental impact of HE aircraft
producing much-needed strategies for
operations at airport level, considering
the smooth implementation of hybrid-
emissions
electric aircraft – and that’s where
circuits, according to varied power-train
academic experts come in.
management strategies.
Politecnico
di
(HE)
powertrains,
Milano
has
achieved
the near future.
in
take-off
and
approach
ARES (Airport Recharging Equipment
amazing results throughout the MAHEPA
Sizing)
project. By developing several original
and scheduling of a battery-charging
methodologies and tools, they delivered
infrastructure in support to an electric-
invaluable results for the consortium
powered
and exciting prospects for the future
the
deployment of hybrid-electric aircraft.
while
MAHEPA Newsletter 2021/4
provides
fleet.
overall
the
The
cost
considering
to
optimal
method be
sizing
allows
minimized,
numerous
real-life
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MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
specifications, constraints, and various recharging options. SHARONA
(Short-Haul
Air
Route
Optimal Network Assessment) combines two innovative methodologies aimed at scenario predictions for HE regional aviation
potential
travel
demand
assessment, based on type of service, geographic
information
and
aircraft
performance, and generation of the the best possible route network to capture such
demand,
through
a
dedicated
Politecnico di Milano’s engagement in electricpowered aviation is contributing to a swift and scientificallygrounded transition towards a truly sustainable mobility.
location and routing algorithm.
Fig. 6. Microfeeder studies for Northern Italy: Captured demand as a function of fleet size (left) and optimal network between 8 – 9 a.m. for a fleet size of 80 A/C (right).
The activities of Politecnico di Milano have
been
concerned
mainly
with
regional air transportation studies: aircraft
design
methodologies,
environmental impact assessment, sizing of battery-recharging infrastructure at airports, and scenario studies. This work is being complemented with the needed ground
infrastructure
investment
plan and finally the strategy towards implementation
of
hybrid-electric
aircraft, conducted by the University of Maribor. The
MAHEPA
ground
The implementation strategy of hybridelectric aircraft will provide the basis for further development of aviation, based on new hybrid technologies.
infrastructure
investment plan was a first step that provided an operational, financial, and regulatory aspects of hybrid aircraft operations at airports and was the very first serious attempt of economic assessment
for
relatively
novel
investments needed. On the other hand, the developed strategy will provide
Fig. 7. Airport ground infrastructure
plausible new business models based on a structured research approach.
MAHEPA Newsletter 2021/4
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MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
2020 AT A GLANCE
examination
of
various
aspects
of
the necessary adaptation of airport Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020
infrastructure that will enable smooth
was a fruitful year for the MAHEPA
operation of ICE-hybrid and FC-hybrid
project. The consortium managed to
aircraft in the future.
hold the MAHEPA and EASA webinar, questions
The final event of the year was the
about the future certifiability of hybrid-
MAHEPA Autumn School, which was
electric
industry
initially aimed at students from European
leaders participated in an intriguing
universities, but the innovative nature of
online event where EASA provided
the MAHEPA project attracted students
much-appreciated guidance on specific
from all over the world. 76 students
research areas and the development
from 27 world-renowned universities
of the necessary relevant standards for
applied for a place in the 5-day event
hybrid-electric aircraft.
and selected 20 were able to participate
which
raised
important
aircraft.
Renowned
in a week of intensive lectures from The MAHEPA project also organized
MAHEPA partners.
an out-of-box seminar at the ICTS 2020,
where
ground
infrastructure
requirements for hybrid-electric plans were introduced. The entire academic community
was
engaged
by
the
Listen to the student’s impressions here.
The MAHEPA Autumn School was a good dissemination event because of the level of detailed information that was provided to us. It definitely exceeded my expectations. Dominik Janisch, attendant Fig. 8. MAHEPA Autumn School attendees
The MAHEPA Autumn school was a great opportunity for the consortium to see how younger generations of engineers are interested in novel technologies and we had an opportunity to even increase their curiosity.
The MAHEPA Autumn School was not only about learning new technical knowledge, but it was also about making connections with other people, working together, experiencing together and having new ideas about the future of hybrid-electric aviation.
Fabrizio Gaspari, MAHEPA project coordinator
Fabrizio Oliviero, project partner from TU Delft
MAHEPA Newsletter 2021/4
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MAHEPA proves flying green is possible
UPCOMING PROJECT EVENTS MAHEPA workshop: Safety and HMI considerations in hybrid-electric aviation Online | tbd.
MAHEPA final conference: Deployment challenges of hybrid-electric aircraft and future research areas EASN Virtual Conference | September 1st - 3rd 2021
We welcome you to join us at our final conference as we close this innovative MAHEPA chapter. Join us to hear about the most outlandish ideas, the biggest challenges, and the innovative thinking that materializes when aviation experts from across Europe pursue the common goal of more sustainable aviation. Discover how the collaborative work of the MAHEPA consortium set a major steppingstone for future green technologies.
PROJECT PARTNERS
PIPISTREL VERTICAL SOLUTIONS d.o.o.
Vipavska cesta 2, Ajdovšcina 5270 Ajdovšcina, Slovenia PROJECT COORDINATOR
Fabrizio Gaspari
MORE INFO WEBSITE: www.mahepa.eu EMAIL: info@mahepa.eu MAHEPA project MAHEPA project #MAHEPA
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