Electric Machine for Landing Phase Kinetic Energy Recovery of Commercial Aircraft

EPSRC : Jakub Deja : EP/V519509/1

The pollution from aircraft is expected to be seven to ten times higher in 2050 compared to 1990 level. To address the issue, a kinetic energy recovery system fitted onboard commercial aircraft is proposed. The system is widely used in automotive industry but has never been proposed for aerospace applications.

Electric machines are a limiting factor because they have low power output relative to weight. This research project will be a part of the wider study and will focus on development of electric machine beyond current technological limits and therefore will allow to meet the aerospace application requirements at a minimum weight penalty. The expected exchange outcome is a finalized electric machine topology selection and optimization.

In addition, the network developed throughout the exchange would be a beginning of long-term collaboration focused on electric machines for aerospace applications, which would benefit both the UK and Canada.