Automated Selection of the Optimal On-board Systems Architecture within MDO Collaborative Environment

The on-board systems are having even more importance in aircraft design since the continuous research for a competitive, more optimized and less costly aircraft. In addition, the introduction of new technologies related to the More Electric Aircraft and All Electric Aircraft concepts have raised the interest on on-board systems discipline giving the option of analyzing different architectures. The present paper would enhance the selection of the best on-board systems architecture introducing a new workflow, which is able to identify the best architecture in terms of procurement and operating cost. Since the importance of fuel required providing the secondary power, the effect of each specific architecture on engine performance is particularly considered including a detailed engine module. The workflow is implemented in Optimus framework within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment and it is open to be integrated with additional modules increasing the fidelity of the analysis. To explore the capability of the defined workflow, the H2020 AGILE regional jet is identified as test case

Propulsion and On-Board System Integration for Advanced Regional Jet with Different Level of Electrification in the AGILE project

The integration of propulsion and on-board systems design into the AGILE project’s collaborative MDO framework is presented in the paper, with the aim of investigating the effects on engine performance due to aircraft systems. Innovative on-board system architectures are characterized by the removal of hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems and consequent increase of the electric power demand, with significant impacts on both the aircraft empty weight and the engine fuel consumption. Four on-board system architectures are identified and investigated: one conventional, two More Electric and one All Electric. Impacts on Specific Fuel Consumption in cruise condition are evaluated through an engine model, and impacts on mission range are derived. Moreover, three types of aircraft are investigated, i.e. regional, medium and long range jets. The obtained results demonstrate that innovative architectures entail significant benefits at aircraft level. The mission range might be extended up to 7.5% with the All Electric architecture. Moreover, significant benefits due to More/All Electric on-board system architectures are more evident for regional and medium range aircraft, although advantages are also present in case of design of long range jets