Integrated Power and Propulsion System
FlyECO (Future enabLing technologies for hYdrogen-powered Electrified aero engine for Clean aviatiOn) is an EU project, initiated by DLR, in response to a Horizon Europe call to develop technologies for a hydrogen-powered, electrified engine for clean aviation.
FlyECO delivers a propulsion system based on a hydrogen-powered gas turbine coupled with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The coupling operates both thermodynamically – via a modified Brayton cycle – and mechanically, via an electric motor that supports the gas turbine. The result is an engine with significantly higher efficiency, leading to reduced fuel consumption. The exhibit illustrates the initial design of the propulsion system housed in a nacelle.
The exclusive use of hydrogen as an energy source offers the potential to eliminate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from aviation. Through the additional synergistic use of waste heat and water as a by-product of the chemical reaction within the SOFC, nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions can be significantly reduced.
A 19-seat regional aircraft was chosen as the application case for developing the propulsion system at a power output of one megawatt. However, the technology is also suited for scaling to other power classes.
Analyses and parametric studies already carried out within the FlyECO project have yielded valuable insights into the limitations of individual components and have had a lasting impact on the development of the system architecture. Initial operating and control strategies have also been developed, which will be validated as the project progresses (through to the end of 2026) to assess their practical feasibility.
The implementation of the propulsion system designed in the FlyECO project could contribute to low-emission, sustainable growth in aviation, and has the potential to make the sector climate-neutral by 2050.
Link:
German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR)
Institute of Electrified Aero Engines
E-Mail contact-dlr@DLR.de
Some tests are being carried out on the hybrid-electric ground demonstrator (HeBo) at the DLR Institute of Combustion Technology in Stuttgart.
