CIAM tests turbo generator of hybrid power plant

The development of electrical technology is a global aviation trend associated with major benefits in fuel consumption and environmental friendliness of flights. In Russia, the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM, a part of the National Research Center "Zhukovsky Institute") is the lead developer of a number of projects in this area.

In October 2020, another cycle of ground tests of a turbo generator – the main power source for a hybrid power plant – was completed at CIAM. Its main task aboard a hybrid aircraft will be to provide power to the electric motor.

The main elements of the turbo generator are a TV2-117 gas turbine turboshaft engine and an electric generator rotated by this engine. The state-of-the-art 400 kW generator was created by CIAM together with the Ufa State Aviation Technical University.

The turbo generator was tested in a climatic test bench where the GTE was placed on a special frame on which it will be installed on the aircraft.

The tests were carried out in the range of modes from "idle" (about 70 kW) to the maximum electric generator power (400 kW). During the tests, all systems worked properly, without failures or damage. The temperature of the generator when operating in conjunction with the GTE was practically the same as in autonomous tests when the generator was being driven electrically.

The hybrid power plant demonstrator is developed by CIAM in a broad cooperation with leading research centers, universities, and innovative enterprises, under contract with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.