Hybrid propulsion for helicopters

Developed by EADS Innovation Works, the corporate research and technology network of EADS, the Eco2Avia research platform is expected to open up new possibilities for cleaner, safer and more quiet helicopter and aviation operations.

According to EADS, highly efficient electrical motors driving the rotors, combined with diesel engines, reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 50 per cent and take-offs and landings are possible on electrical power alone, resulting in lower noise levels and improved flight safety.

The main components of this patented hybrid system are multiple diesel-electric motor-generator units, a pair of high-performance batteries and a power electronics unit controlling the energy flows for best efficiency.

The OPOC (Opposed Piston, Opposed Cylinder) diesel engines are claimed to offer a fuel economy improvement of up to 30 per cent compared with today’s helicopter turbine engines.

The OPOC engine’s power output shafts are fitted with advanced, weight-optimised generators delivering electrical current to the power electronics unit. This unit manages the distribution of the electricity to the electrical motors driving the main rotor and the tail rotor, to and from the batteries as well as to the other user systems on the helicopter.