Hinetics performed a detailed study in Phase I to evaluate the integration of a lightweight, high efficiency 150 kW generator-drive subsystem within the SUSAN concept aircraft. Analysis on potential subsystem and system level integration strategies ensured stability and reliability were maintained across all operating conditions of the propulsion system and while maximizing the system level performance. This has set the stage for hardware development for a sub-scale SUSAN demonstration in this Phase II program, helping to increase the TRL of critical technologies for future low carbon aircraft. The Phase II project will include prototype construction of the machine and integration with a Lycoming O-360 engine to de-risk overall system considerations. Because the full scale SUSAN concept utilizes an aft turbine and our topology has clear weight and efficiency benefits at higher shaft speeds, Hinetics will design, build, and demonstrate a higher speed generator for mating to a COTS turboshaft. In parallel, a US-based subcontractor, Beehive Industries, will perform a study on the potential of improving turboshaft efficiencies in the 150 kW power range to become more competitive with combustion engine solutions while maintaining low system mass. Anticipated
Benefits: Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Electrofan would be the major targeted application for this motor design and system integration study. It will also be applicable to any of the drivetrain testing and qualification programs of NASA in a similar power scale with a few varying details such as cooling availability and drivetrain. While this study is targeted at the generator coupled to aft engine, it is directly applicable to a distributed propulsor or the propulsor in any turbo-electric, hybrid-electric or fully electric concept. In addition, the drivetrain developers can potentially use this study to test the sub-systems and to validate the performance and reliability of electric aircraft drivetrains.
