Electrical Systems at High Altitude Research Facility (ELSA)

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering

Abstract

Battery electrified power is predicted to become the dominant mode of propulsion in light duty ground transport and some small, shorter range aircraft. For larger aerospace applications, alternatives such as sustainable aviation fuel and liquid hydrogen appear attractive in the longer term as part of a hybrid electric propulsion system. In all cases, increasingly integrated electric drives of higher power density are required. A new high altitude climatic testing facility and coupled digital twin is proposed to enable world class research of disruptive electric propulsion component materials, designs and manufacturing up to system level and Megawatt scale. The research enabled will ultimately help reduce associated end use energy demand for Net Zero in this sector and other transport applications reliant on hybrid propulsion in the longer term such as heavy duty off-road.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description The work is commissioning a new pair of environmental chambers to allow testing of future decarbonised flight propulsion systems at environmental conditions of up to 45000ft. The equipment is still being commissioned, hence findings to date relate to improved understanding of capabilities. The system will additionally be able to simulate dynamic (transient) operation, which is beyond original expectations and should open up significant follow-on opportunities.
Exploitation Route The equipment will be used with future collaborative research projects to accelerate net zero propulsion solutions for aerospace, marine and ground transport. The results of this research will also be of direct use to future policy makers and academic research into related socio-economic impacts.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

 
Description NExt generation high poWer fuel cells for airBORNe applications
Amount € 33,323,824 (EUR)
Funding ID 101101967 
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 01/2023 
End 06/2026
 
Description Engagement with ATI and UK-ARC 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Attendance and presentation of new facility and an Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) invited workshop as part of the ATI Hydrogen Capability Network review
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Engagement with Florida State University 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact PI visit to Florida State University to present on new capability and explore new opportunities for related collaboration with Florida and wider key partners (e.g. major aerospace industry partners)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Engagement with Intelligent Energy 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Company visit to understand facility capabilities, leading to invitation to collaborate in ongoing CR&D funding bids
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024