Innovative concepts of electric system architectures and hybrid propulsion system for regional turboprop aircraft

The need for a more eco-friendly and competitive aircraft are leading to innovative on-board system architectures and new way of propulsion also in the regional turboprop segment. The electrification of the aircraft seems to be an interesting approach to face these needs and to improve the overall aircraft efficiency. This paper presents some innovative concepts regarding the electrification of the aircraft on-board systems and the study of the hybrid electric propulsion for a regional twin-turboprop aircraft. In particular, the all electric architecture and an innovative use of the auxiliary power unit are discussed together with the possible advantages and new functionalities given by the hybrid electric propulsion. Finally, a preliminary mass assessment of the hybrid propulsion concept is given using a reference turboprop aircraft as test case. This proved the potentialities of this kind of propulsion but also its limit due to the present technologies.