#USA #Rockford #Collins Aerospace #Clean Aviation #SWITCH project

Introduction

Collins Aerospace, a prominent player in the aerospace sector and an RTX business, has taken a significant step forward in sustainable aviation by commencing testing of electric motor drive systems. This initiative falls under the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH project, which aims to revolutionize hybrid-electric propulsion technology. The tests are currently taking place in Collins Aerospace’s state-of-the-art facility known as ‘The Grid’ in Rockford, Illinois.

The SWITCH Project

The core aim of the SWITCH project is to demonstrate the advantages of hybrid-electric technologies aimed at enhancing engine performance across various flight phases, particularly for short- and medium-range aircraft. The project is highly collaborative, involving several key players in the aviation industry, including MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Airbus, and numerous European research institutions.

Testing at The Grid

Within the walls of The Grid, an advanced electric power systems lab, Collins has begun integrating and evaluating critical components of the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem. This includes motor generators, controllers, and an intricate power distribution system. Preliminary testing is focusing on two megawatt-class motor generators, which are pivotal to the hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine demonstrator.

Kristin Smith, who serves as the Vice President of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, stated, “The start of powertrain subsystem testing is a key step towards demonstrating the potential applications of more electric systems on future commercial aircraft.” She emphasized that hybrid-electric technology holds the promise of dramatically improving fuel efficiency across upcoming aviation platforms, including next-generation single-aisle aircraft.

Global Collaboration for Future Solutions

The components being tested are the result of extensive collaboration across Europe. The megawatt-class electric motors and controllers were designed at Collins Aerospace's facility in Solihull, UK. Additionally, the power distribution components, like the solid-state power controller and the power distribution panel, were engineered in Nördlingen, Germany, while the high voltage electrical wiring interconnection systems were developed by GKN Aerospace in Papendrecht, Netherlands.

This collaborative approach also extends beyond component manufacturing. It involves creating a more sustainable operational model across the aerospace sector, aligning with the European Union's overarching goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally friendly technologies.

Funding and Support

The SWITCH project benefits from funding by the European Union, specifically noted under grant agreement number 101102006. However, the views and opinions shared through this project are solely those of the contributing authors and may not necessarily represent the perspectives of the EU or the Clean Aviation initiative. Importantly, neither the EU nor the granting authority bears any responsibility for the outcomes expressed in the project.

Future Outlook of Clean Aviation

As the aviation sector faces increasing pressure to adopt greener technologies, initiatives like the Clean Aviation SWITCH project play a pivotal role in steering the industry towards more sustainable practices. According to projections, the disruptive clean aviation technologies resulting from this partnership aim to reduce CO2 emissions from short- and medium-range aircraft by at least 30%, with a target of 50% reduction for regional range models.

Collins Aerospace is at the forefront of these efforts, engaging in multiple Clean Aviation projects aimed at empowering hybrid-electric propulsion and advancing more electric aircraft architectures suitable for various regional and short- to medium-range platforms.

Conclusion

Collins Aerospace’s initiation of powertrain testing for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project marks a crucial milestone in the pursuit of greener aviation technologies. By leveraging hybrid-electric systems, Collins and its partners are laying the groundwork for a future in which aviation can be both efficient and sustainable. With the ongoing commitment from industry leaders and continued support from legislative bodies, the dream of clean aviation is well within reach, promising to reshape the skies of tomorrow.