On the Performance of Variable-Geometry Ducted E-Fans

Abstract

Electrically-driven ducted fans (e-fans), either underwing-mounted or located at the aft-fuselage, can potentially improve the system overall efficiency in hybrid-electric propulsion architectures by increasing their thrust share over the thrust generated by the main engines. However, the low design pressure ratio of such e-fans make them prone to operability issues at off-design conditions, i.e. take-off, where nozzle pressure ratio is close or below the critical value. This paper investigates the operational limitations of such e-fans, proving the necessity of variable geometry. A component zooming approach is deployed by integrating a streamline curvature method within an aero-engine performance tool to investigate the e-fan installed performance and operability. The concepts of variable pitch fan (VPF) and variable area nozzle (VAN) are systematically explored to quantify any performance benefits, while the unavoidable added-weight challenges due to variable geometry are taken into account. Although e-fans with low design pressure ratio (PR) are more susceptible to operability issues compared to higher PR e-fans, the former show improved overall efficiency levels, mainly dominated by propulsive efficiency. It is found that variable geometry not only tackles operability but it can improve the off-design overall efficiency of e-fans even more. VPF mostly affects the component efficiency by reshaping the e-fan performance maps, while VAN has a greater impact on propulsive efficiency by moving the operating points.