NASA, in collaboration with industry, will soon begin manufacturing a new jet engine concept for the next generation of ultra-efficient aircraft, officially advancing to the next phase of the project.
As part of NASA’s goal to make the aviation industry more sustainable, the agency is developing a small core for a hybrid-electric turbofan engine that could reduce fuel consumption by 10% compared to current engines. A jet engine core is where compressed air is combined with fuel and ignited to generate power. By reducing the size of this core, fuel efficiency can be improved and carbon emissions reduced.
HyTEC Project: Innovation and Sustainability
The project, called Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC), aims to demonstrate this compact core and prepare the technology for adoption in the engines that will power next-generation aircraft in the 2030s. HyTEC is a key component of NASA’s National Sustainable Flight Partnership.
Project Phases
To achieve its ambitious goal, HyTEC is structured in two phases:
- Phase 1: Focused on selecting component technologies to use in the core demonstrator.
- Phase 2: Start now and see researchers design, build and test a compact core in collaboration with GE Aerospace.
We are completing Phase 1 of HyTEC and beginning to accelerate Phase 2. This phase will culminate in a core demonstration test that will test the technology so it can be adopted by the industry.
Anthony Nerone, HyTEC leader at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
The End of the Beginning
Before researchers could begin the process of designing and building the core, they had to explore innovative new materials for use in the engine. After three years of remarkably rapid progress, HyTEC researchers found solutions.
We have been focused from day one. We started the project with certain technical objectives and success metrics, and so far we haven’t had to change course on any of them.
Anthony Nerone
To reduce the size of a core while maintaining the same level of thrust, heat and pressure must be increased compared to standard jet engines used today. This means that the motor core must be made of more durable materials that can withstand higher temperatures.
In addition to conducting materials research, the project also explored advanced aerodynamics and other key technical elements.
Technical Advances and Future of the Project
Phase 2 builds on Phase 1 to create a compact core for ground testing to demonstrate HyTEC’s capabilities.
Phase 2 is very complex. It’s not just a core demo. What we are creating has never been done before, and involves combining many different technologies to form a new type of engine.
Anthony Nerone
The technologies tested in the HyTEC program will help enable much higher bypass ratios, hybridization and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels. The bypass ratio describes the relationship between the amount of air flowing through the motor core compared to the amount of air passing outside the core.
By decreasing the core size while increasing the size of the turbofan it powers, while maintaining the same thrust performance, the HyTEC concept would use less fuel and reduce carbon emissions.
HyTEC is an integral part of our RISE program. GE Aerospace and NASA have a long history of collaborating to advance the latest aviation technologies. The HyTEC program builds on this relationship to help chart the future of more sustainable flight.
Kathleen Mondino, GE Aerospace.
Hybridization and the Future of Aviation
Another piece of the puzzle is hybridization. HyTEC’s hybrid-electric capability means the core will also be supplemented by electric power to further reduce fuel use and carbon emissions.
This engine will be the first mild hybrid-electric engine, and we expect it to be the first commercial aircraft production engine that is hybrid-electric.
Anthony Nerone
Via www.nasa.gov
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