Research Associate
Phone:
+49 711 685 62409
e-Genius
The two-seat battery powered aircraft e-Genius has been developed for the practical testing of alternative propulsion and energy storage technologies. e-Genius complements the research focus on electrical flying at the Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB). Instead of the modification of a conventional aircraft, the configuration of e-Genius has been completely re-designed and optimized for the electric propulsion system. The special feature is the big, slowly rotating propeller that is mounted in the vertical stabilizer. The propeller has high propulsion efficiency and made it possible to use a small and light gear. In the current level of development the aircraft has a maximum range of approximately 400 km by using a fuel equivalent of 1.3 l per 100 km. The area behind the side by side sitting pilots offers enough space for different energy storage systems. e-Genius is the most powerful two-seated electric aircraft in the world.
Photo: IFB
Icaré 2
Icaré is a solar power-operated high performance aircraft which has been designed for minimum sink rates. The specific features of this aircraft are, among others, a low empty weight and the low cruise speed that remembers to the characteristics of an old-timer. The electric motor (12 kW) is mounted at the vertical stabilizer for an optimum efficiency. A rechargeable battery allows self launching and storage of solar energy. icaré only needs 2 kW of electric power for horizontal flying. The solar panel surface area (more than 20 m2) of the aircraft generates up to 3.5 kW under perfect sunlight conditions. Due to its special design, icaré responds very sensitively to weak thermals. Consequently, a combination of motor and thermal flying is possible in addition to classic motor flying. Until today, icaré has set four official FAI world records.
Photo: Scholz
Further Projects:
RS hybrid 1.0 - Investigation of optimized hybrid powertrains for aircraft
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Content of the project: |
The scope of the project is the development of an optimized hybrid propulsion system for the aerial platform SK202 developed by Stemme RS, which may be operated as an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV). Reorganization: As a consequence of the withdrawal of a partner, the specific aircraft could no longer be used and the project was reorganized to widen the use of the developing powertrain for all multiengine aircraft in the 2t range. This is why the architecture of the design was built generic and modular to allow the simple integration of an efficient, powerful and low-emission drive system into the various existing and future aircraft to-be. The newly defined output of the project is a power train demonstrator, that will be used for testing and later adaption and integration into a manned serial CS-23 aircraft. |
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Contribution of the IFB: |
Before the reorganization, the institute was responsible for the flight performance analysis, the layout and sizing of the hybrid system and the corresponding system architecture in terms of power distribution and means of control. Furthermore, the integration aspects and implications for all subsystems like the propulsors and batteries were investigated. After the reorganization, the IFB focused on the control scheme and the interactions of the different subsystems. A key aspect of the multi engine setup calls for a dedicated safety and redundancy management. Besides the software development, the required components for the demonstrator were assessed, acquired and integrated. A flightworthy battery based on Li-Ion cells was developed and built twice. Furthermore, the initial operation and bench tests of the iron bird are conducted by the IFB in cooperation with all partners. |
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Project partners: |
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Financing: |
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm V-2) |
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Duration: |
January 2016 - October 2021 |
| Contacts: | Andreas Bender, M.Sc. |
HeRKoLus - (Hybrid-)electric powertrain for an airship
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Content of the project: |
The scope of the project is to evaluate possible hybridisation concepts for the airship Zeppelin NT N07, that shall replace the current propulsion system. Especially the use of electric propulsors is being investigated. Different powertrain architectures are set up and compared with regard to criteria such as operating cost, fuel consumption and certifiability. The best suited option is identified and further developed into a complete system, that can be installed and certified in the airship in a future project. |
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Contribution of the IFB: |
The IFB has the main responsibility for the hybrid-electric powertrain. That includes researching suitable technologies with a high TRL and high availability, as well as compiling the regulations, guidelines and standards to be fulfilled for the components. Furthermore, the architectures and energy storages in question are defined and created by the IFB. The dimensioning of the powertrains to the performance data of the reference airship is also a task of the IFB, as is the acquisition of all relevant cost data for the components of the hybrid powertrains. |
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Project partners: |
ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co. KG |
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Financing: |
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm VI-1) |
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Duration: |
October 2020 – March 2023 |
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Contacts: |
Andreas Bender, M.Sc. |
Team
Research Associate, Team lead Manned aircraft projects
Phone:
+49 711 685 60247
Research Associate
Phone:
+49 711 685 61996
Research Associate
Phone:
+49 711 685 62407
Research Associate, Team lead Analytical aircraft design
Phone:
+49 711 685 60483
Research Associate
Phone:
+49 711 685 68483
Team lead
Andreas Bender
M.Sc.Research Associate, Team lead Manned aircraft projects