Advancing Hybrid Electric Aerospace Technology with NASA and GE Aerospace Collaboration
Key Ideas
  • NASA and GE Aerospace are collaborating on modifying a GE Aerospace Passport engine with hybrid electric components under the HyTEC project to advance hybrid electric aerospace technology.
  • The project aims to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in commercial aircraft, focusing on single-aisle planes which are significant contributors to aviation carbon emissions.
  • Initial component-level testing has been completed, with plans for ground tests evaluating the hybrid electric components and baseline engine performance in preparation for further advancements.
  • Another collaboration between NASA and GE Aerospace involves developing a megawatt-class hybrid electric propulsion system for ground and flight tests this decade, in partnership with Boeing.
NASA and GE Aerospace have joined forces under the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project to enhance hybrid electric aerospace technology. The collaboration involves modifying a GE Aerospace Passport engine with hybrid electric components, aiming to advance aviation technology. The prototype being developed will not rely on energy storage, paving the way for future advancements once storage technologies mature. The partnership believes that this project will contribute to cutting aviation emissions by improving efficiency. Initial component-level testing including electric motor/generators and power electronics has been successfully conducted, with systems testing taking place in Dayton, Ohio. Collaborative efforts between NASA and GE Aerospace are crucial for driving innovations in commercial aviation, particularly in single-aisle aircraft which heavily impact carbon emissions. The project managers from both NASA and GE Aerospace emphasize the importance of such collaborations in propelling the industry towards greater efficiency and reduced emissions. Furthermore, plans for ground tests to evaluate the hybrid electric components along with baseline engine performance are in progress to refine models for future developments. In a separate initiative, GE Aerospace is also working on a megawatt-class hybrid electric propulsion system as part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration program, with Boeing as a partner. The program aims to conduct ground and flight tests this decade using a modified Saab 340B aircraft equipped with GE Aerospace's CT7 engines. The joint efforts of NASA, GE Aerospace, and Boeing demonstrate a commitment to advancing green technologies in the aerospace sector, ultimately aiming to create more sustainable and efficient commercial aircraft.
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