The ongoing collaboration between GE Aerospace and NASA aims to advance hybrid electric propulsion technologies for commercial aviation. This partnership is focusing on embedding electric motor/generators into high-bypass commercial turbofan engines, aiming to improve performance and efficiency during various phases of flight. At the core of the project is the ambitious modification of GE Aerospace’s Passport engine, integrating hybrid electric components. These modifications are part of NASA’s Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project and align with the broader goals of the CFM International Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. The overarching objective of these efforts includes developing new engine architectures and combustor designs, in addition to ensuring hybrid electric systems are compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The collaborative strategy between GE Aerospace and NASA promises to transform the aviation industry by significantly enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. This initiative is particularly vital as global aviation aims for more sustainable practices. The propulsion systems being researched could redefine industry standards, promising a future where aviation is not only more efficient but also significantly greener. This effort to embed hybrid electric components into commercial aircraft engines represents a major leap toward achieving next-generation, eco-friendly aviation solutions. As these technologies mature, they hold the potential to set new benchmarks in both performance and sustainability, ensuring a durable impact on the future of air travel.
Building on Hybrid Electric Propulsion Technology
GE Aerospace and NASA have made significant strides in advancing hybrid electric propulsion technology. One important aspect of their endeavor involves modifying the Passport engine with hybrid components, a promising step toward achieving higher efficiency and performance. The versatility of this system to operate with or without energy storage solutions, such as batteries, is crucial. This operational flexibility allows for the early adoption of hybrid technologies even before fully mature energy storage solutions are available, making the technology accessible sooner than initially expected.
Initial testing phases have already demonstrated considerable progress, with component-level tests of electric motor/generators and power electronics being completed. These tests were conducted at GE Aerospace’s EPISCenter in Dayton, Ohio, focusing on essential elements of the HyTEC Turbofan Engine Power Extraction Demonstration. Establishing baseline engine performance metrics beforehand was critical to the process, and these metrics were achieved through rigorous tests at the Peebles Test Operation in Ohio. Baseline tests such as these play a pivotal role in evaluating the integration of hybrid electric components. The data gathered from these tests provide valuable insights, helping to refine models and prepare for subsequent ground testing phases where the hybrid technology will be further validated.
Key Testing and Development Milestones
The baseline tests completed thus far have been instrumental in evaluating the integration of hybrid electric components. The results derived from these tests offer valuable data to refine computational models and prepare for more comprehensive ground testing. Improving efficiency and reducing emissions remain the primary goals of this research, and the constant updating and refinement of models ensure that the research stays on track to achieve these objectives. Arjan Hegeman, General Manager of Future Flight Technologies at GE Aerospace, highlighted the enormous potential of this research to turn hybrid electric commercial flight from a concept into reality, emphasizing its critical role in the future of aviation.
NASA has awarded GE Aerospace a contract for Phase 2 of the HyTEC project. This new phase aims to further develop the necessary technologies for a demonstrator engine core test, anticipated later in the decade. Building on the advancements made during Phase 1, Phase 2 focuses on improving high-pressure compressor and turbine aerodynamics, as well as advancing combustor technology. These technological advancements are crucial for achieving the higher efficiency and lower emissions targets necessary for hybrid electric aviation to become a practical reality. The continued collaboration between NASA and GE Aerospace demonstrates a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aviation technology.
Collaborative Efforts for Leadership in Aviation Innovation
Anthony Nerone, HyTEC project manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, emphasized the importance of such collaborations in establishing the U.S. as a leader in hybrid electric commercial transport aircraft. This collaboration is particularly significant for single-aisle aircraft, which contribute substantially to aviation carbon emissions. The overall project aligns with broader industry trends toward greater environmental sustainability and aims for substantial efficiency improvements. By advancing hybrid electric propulsion technologies, GE Aerospace and NASA hope to set new standards within the industry, leading to more sustainable and efficient aviation practices on a global scale.
The RISE program, introduced in 2021, represents another crucial element of GE Aerospace’s strategy for innovation. RISE aims for an impressive 20% increase in fuel efficiency and a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the most efficient engines currently in operation. These ambitious targets are bolstered by incorporating advanced technologies such as the Open Fan architecture, compact core configurations, new combustor designs, and hybrid electric systems. The successful implementation of these technologies not only meets significant environmental benchmarks but also establishes new performance criteria within the field of aviation propulsion. This dual focus on sustainability and performance is setting the stage for the next generation of advances in aircraft engine technology.
Pioneering Achievements in Hybrid Electric Systems
Apart from the current initiatives, GE Aerospace has a notable history of achievements in hybrid electric propulsion. These milestones include a 2016 ground test of an electric motor-driven propeller and the world’s first MW-class and multi-kilovolt (kV) hybrid electric propulsion system test in altitude conditions simulating commercial flight at NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed in 2022. These accomplishments clearly showcase GE Aerospace’s pioneering role in the development of hybrid electric systems for aviation. These historical successes provide a strong foundation for current and future projects, illustrating the company’s long-term commitment to innovative propulsion technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible.
Further illustrating their commitment to advancing the field, GE Aerospace has plans to hire over 900 engineers in 2024. This move underscores their dedication to sustaining current programs while also spearheading the development of future-oriented technologies. These new hires will play a significant role in driving the next generation of aviation advancements, ensuring that GE Aerospace remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the field. The company’s ongoing efforts and investments in hybrid electric technologies highlight a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, efficiency, and the transformation of the aviation industry as a whole.
Towards a Sustainable Aviation Future
GE Aerospace and NASA are collaborating to advance hybrid electric propulsion technologies for commercial aviation. This partnership aims to embed electric motor/generators into high-bypass commercial turbofan engines to enhance efficiency and performance across different flight phases. Central to the project is modifying GE Aerospace’s Passport engine by integrating hybrid electric components. These modifications are part of NASA’s Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project and align with the CFM International Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. The goal is to develop new engine architectures and combustor designs, ensuring hybrid electric systems are compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
This collaboration could revolutionize the aviation industry by significantly improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, which is crucial as global aviation moves toward more sustainable practices. The researched propulsion systems have the potential to redefine industry standards, promising a future where aviation is greener and more efficient. Implementing hybrid electric components in commercial aircraft engines is a considerable step towards next-generation, eco-friendly aviation solutions. These maturing technologies could set new benchmarks in performance and sustainability, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of air travel.
