Rethinking Aircraft Propulsion
Aircraft propulsion systems are at the core of aviation technology, and improving their performance is crucial for the future of flight. The exFan project aims to tackle some of the biggest challenges in this field, focusing on practical solutions to make engines more efficient and adaptable.
This 4-year EU-funded initiative, which began in December 2023, brings together ten (10) partners from five (5) countries. By combining expertise in engineering, aerodynamics, and advanced materials, exFan project is exploring innovative technologies to enhance how aircraft engines work. The project offers a collaborative platform for sharing knowledge and driving progress in aviation.
Recent Developments
Thermal Management Innovations
ADT’s work has explored three advanced concepts to optimize heat management for fuel cell-powered electric aircraft. Highlights include:
- Low-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells with Heat Pumps: Investigation of means to manage the propulsion system heat rejection specifically during take-off and climb, when heat rejection is most challenging.
- Integrated Cooling Systems: Aim is to raise heat quality to 240°C.
- High-Temperature PEM Fuel Cells: Operating up to 160°C seems to have an enormous potential of reducing thermal management system weight.
Heat Integration for Thrust Generation
TU Wien is investigating concepts to integrate the heat exchanger with the aim of optimizing heat recuperation and minimizing pressure losses.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Networks
The exFan project team is actively engaging with the aviation and engineering communities through events and publications:
- European Federation of Corrosion Newsletter: exFan project featured prominently in the August 2024 edition by CIDETEC.
- DLRK 2024: TU Wien, ADT, and DLR represented the project at this renowned aerospace conference.
- 14th EASN International Conference: TU Wien presented both the exFan project and their work on heat exchanger integration for hydrogen-electric propulsion systems.
Stay Updated
The exFan project continues to make steady progress toward improving aircraft propulsion. With ongoing research and new developments on the horizon, there is much more to come. To stay informed about our achievements and upcoming milestones, visit our website and follow us on social media (LinkedIn, X, YouTube). We invite you to explore how our project is contributing to the future of aviation through practical, research-driven innovation.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor CINEA can be held responsible for them.