Methods for simulation and analysis of hybrid electric propulsion systems

Today, research performed for new aircraft propulsion concepts is driven by the requirement of achieving significant emission reductions to meet the environmental objectives of future air traffic. A current trend visible in the aviation industry shows the attempt to reduce inflight emissions as well as overall energy consumption of conventional combustion engines through electrification via electrical energy sources. With the growing interest in novel hybrid electric propulsion concepts, in the same way, a demand for conceptual design and performance simulation methods in combination with analysis capabilities rises. Based on primarily introduced and discussed hybrid electric propulsion systems, this paper presents a set of aircraft propulsion system simulation (APSS) methods which allow for an integrated simulation and consistent analysis. Particularly, methods for the modelling of electric motor and battery systems as implemented in APSS are described in detail. © 2014, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.