Collins Aerospace has begun initial testing of the electric motor drive systems for the European Union’s Clean Aviation Switch project, which is a key step towards demonstrating the hybrid-electric technology on a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. The project is focused on proving the potential of hybrid-electric technologies to optimise engine efficiency across different phases of flight for future short- and medium-range aircraft.
Integrated lab tests of the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem — including motor generators, controllers and power distribution systems — are taking place at ‘The Grid’, Collins’ electric power systems lab in Rockford, Illinois (Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are both RTX businesses). Key subsystems validated at The Grid, including two megawatt-class motor generators, will be integrated within a hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator as part of the next phase of testing.
Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, said: “The start of powertrain sub-system testing is a key step towards demonstrating the potential of applying more electric systems to future commercial aircraft. Hybrid-electric technology has the potential to transform aviation by enabling greater fuel efficiency across multiple future platforms, including next generation single-aisle aircraft.”
World-class research and development facilitiesThe Switch powertrain incorporates multiple key components developed at world-class research and development facilities across Europe. Collins Aerospace designed and produced the megawatt-class electric motor and controllers at its facility in Solihull, while power distribution components — including a solid-state power controller and power distribution panel — were designed in Nördlingen, Germany. The high voltage electrical wiring interconnection system developed by GKN Aerospace was built in Papendrecht, in the Netherlands.
Switch is a collaborative effort involving MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Airbus, and several European research institutions. Collins Aerospace is also engaged in multiple ongoing Clean Aviation projects targeted at enabling hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric aircraft architectures across regional and short- and medium- range platforms.