Technologies

In order to achieve the overall ENOVAL objectives, innovative low pressure spool technologies with their specific individual contributions have been defined, which – as an overall purpose of ENOVAL – are to be successfully validated at component level up to TRL5.

As a breakthrough technology, ENOVAL will significantly expand the design space to higher BPR in order to increase the propulsive efficiency. This can only be achieved by having a more efficient and compact turbo machinery increasing the aero-engine OPR. The increase of BPR for a specific aircraft application will lead to additional weight and drag due to the increase of the fan diameter. Weight reduction measures in the components of the whole propulsion system (fan module and turbo machinery incl. nacelle) will minimise or even compensate this increase. The higher OPR will lead to smaller core engine diameters, while stiffer light weight structures and new design concepts for a smaller and shorter nacelle are required. Together with the weight saving of the overall aircraft system due to the need of less fuel to be carried on board, the trade will still allow for an overall improvement.

ENOVAL's high level fuel burn and noise objectives will be enabled by the following three breakthroughs and contributing technologies:

Expanding the design space for Turbofans up to BPR 20

• Advanced Fan Blades optimised in numbers, shape and weight

• Light weight Intermediate Case and new passive acoustic devices in the fan module

• Holistic design concepts for shorter and thinner Nacelle with enhanced integration

• Improved LP-Turbine designs for direct drive solutions including novel aerodynamics, noise liners and materials for increased temperature

Enabling a Geared Fan Drive System for the very large, long range engines

• Optimised Gearbox heat management to reduce windage losses

• Advanced high load High Speed Booster including casing treatments

• Integrated design of Inter Turbine Case, high speed LP-Turbine and Turbine Exit Case 

Introducing a Variable Area Fan Nozzle (VAFN) for optimum stability and design for low pressure ratio fans

• Integrated aerodynamic and mechanical optimisation

• Optimised control strategies for operability and performance