C30 microturbine for studies in aircraft propulsion systems

At the end of 2017, Fluxo supplied, together with Capstone Turbine Corporation, a C30 LF microturbine (fueled with jet fuel) for the Electromechanical Energy Conversion Group at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF/GCEME) – MG .

The GCEME received a grant from FAPEMIG-EMBRAER to begin studies, in the following two years, on new technologies for hybrid-electric systems in aircraft propulsion. The initiative is a pioneer in Brazil. The expectation of the major aircraft builders is that hybrid propulsion will be applied on a large scale in the coming years.

At the moment, it is not possible for the propulsion to be 100% electric, due to the greater weight/power density of the batteries in relation to fuel, despite the economic and environmental advantages of the electric system. Hybrid systems emerge as an alternative, combining combustion propulsion, with greater flight autonomy, with electric propulsion, with greater torque at low speed and more controllable.

In principle, the concept is similar to the one used today in hybrid cars. Capstone's C30 microturbine will be used as one of the components of the prototype that will be built with the aim of creating a knowledge base in hybrid air propulsion systems, in addition to following the technological development of the aeronautical industry in cooperation with research centers.

The studies will be led by Professor Manuel Rendón, from UFJF, in partnership with the University of Mälardalen (MDH – Sweden), the University of Uppsala (UU – Sweden) and the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI – Brazil).