AIRBUS PHOTO
maintenance with hybrid helicopters, Cossetti says that will depend on system configuration. “Hybridization, by default, means adding stuff, such as
batteries, electrical motors, and controllers, which means more parts to maintain,” he says. “New regulations concerning hybrid-electric propulsion systems could also add require- ments that could have a direct impact on maintenance tasks. However, hybridization could bring some significant advan- tages in terms of maintenance cost reduction over the life of the helicopter, which is one of the key parameters for a helicopter operator/user.” In the case of full electric propulsion, says Cossetti, elec-
trical components are generally less demanding in terms of maintenance compared with an internal combustion engine, which could partly alleviate the additional complexity and allow for decreased maintenance costs. Hervé Blanc, executive vice president and general manager,
Power Division, Safran Electrical & Power in France, says that while an electrical solution is easier and less costly to maintain than a conventional piston or turbine powerplant, a hybrid solution represents a different dynamic. “A good hybrid solution increases maintenance costs with
the addition of the electrical system but reduces drastically the most expensive part, which is the thermal engine, by optimizing the use and the conditions of operation of the
thermal system,” Blanc explains. “If the turbine is less stressed due to the electrical system, then the total maintenance cost is reduced.”
Electrical Solutions for Gas Helicopters Blanc says there are many opportunities to introduce electrical solutions to conventionally fueled helicopters. Tey include a full electrical tail rotor, already successfully flown with one helicopter manufacturer, and a “stop and start” solution to safely restart a turbine in flight now in development. “We’re also developing a solution to provide additional power to the main gearbox of the helicopter to ensure greater perfor- mance,” he says. While the electrification of the entire propulsion system
is the ultimate goal, Mike Mekhiche, deputy director, Rolls- Royce Electrical in the United Kingdom, ventures that considerable value can be achieved via the partial electrifi- cation of a conventional propulsion engine. He terms this solution a “mild hybrid” propulsion system. “Tis involves integrating an electric generator-motor—and
the associated bidirectional power electronics converter with a sensibly sized battery—into the turbine engine of the air- craft,” Mekhiche explains. “Te purpose is twofold. Firstly, using the battery power, the generator-motor can provide additional torque to boost the aircraft thrust and supplement
2020 Q4 ROTOR 39
Airbus Helicopters has been engaged in hybrid projects since 2011.
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