In the SimFlyFC joint project funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), research and industry are working together to develop and test efficient processes for fuel cell aircraft propulsion. A particular focus is on advancing simulation methods for RamAir cooling systems in Flying Fuel Cell (FFC) propulsion systems.
The DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology is using the highly accurate flow simulation method DLR-TAU to analyse FFC cooling systems from an aerodynamic point of view. The focus here is on the inlet, inflow channel to the heat exchanger, heat exchanger and outlet contour with outlet nozzle. Therefore, the scientists are first developing the numerical boundary conditions for the correct simulation of the heat exchanger effects on the flow (directivity, heat input, pressure losses).
Within this project, a complex wind tunnel model with an integrated heat exchanger is to be developed for measurements in the low-speed wind tunnel Braunschweig (DNW-NWB). SimFlyFC thus creates the foundation and the validation methods to approve heat exchanger concepts for the DLR research aircraft Do228, for example, and to be able to investigate them in flight tests in the future. The measurement data obtained during the wind tunnel tests form the basis for intensive validation and verification of the design and analysis methods. The aim is to create a simulation-based optimisation capability for fuel cell system architectures that was previously unavailable. In this way, FFC architectures can be analysed at an early stage on an industrial level and the development process of an FFC system can be carried out in a more targeted manner and in a significantly shorter time.
Project
SimFlyFC - Weiterentwicklung der Simulationsmethoden und -tools für Flying Fuel Cell Antriebssysteme und deren Komponenten
Term
7/2024 - 9/2027
Partners
DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology
MTU Aero Engines (Lead)
DLR Institute of Aeroelasticity
DLR Institute of Flight Systems
DLR Institute of Lightweight Systems
DLR Institute of Software Methods for Product Virtualization
DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Virtual Product House (VPH)
DNW - German-Dutch Wind Tunnels
Funding
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Aviation Research Programme (LuFo), ref. no. 20M2235B
