The American space agency is developing the first hybrid engine powered by gas and electricity, intended for commercial aviation, in collaboration with GE Aerospace.
Among the advantages of NASA’s hybrid aircraft are reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions
Sustainability efforts to cut CO2 emissions extend beyond roads, where hybrid vehicles are being developed, to the skies. NASA is working on a hybrid engine that is partly electric, powered by batteries, and partly fueled, for a future aircraft that will pollute less. The American space agency has also enlisted General Electric Aerospace to develop it. This Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) initiative is part of NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program, a key area of the agency’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which is working with the government to achieve net zero by 2050.
First Hybrid-Electric Engine for Airliners
HyTEC’s primary goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of this hybrid engine concept by the end of 2028, paving the way for scaled development of airliners in the next decade. This would mark a major revolution in aviation, as it would be the world’s first hybrid-electric engine for commercial aircraft. “This will be the first lightweight hybrid-electric engine and could lead to the production of the first engine for narrow-body airliners, opening the door to more sustainable aviation,” said Anthony Nerone, leader of the HyTEC project at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
How the Hybrid Engine Works
According to the joint NASA and GE Aerospace project, the hybrid-electric jet engine will have a small combustion core where compressed air is mixed with fuel to generate energy powering the jet system. By reducing the size of the core and increasing the size of the turbofan while maintaining the same thrust power, HyTEC would use less fuel and lower carbon emissions.
At the same time, the engines would generate electrical energy, which would help power the system, reducing the need for fuel in the combustion engine. Integrated electric motors would optimize engine performance, allowing the system to run with or without energy storage, such as batteries. This could speed up the introduction of hybrid-electric technologies for commercial aviation even before energy storage solutions are fully matured. The electric machines developed would serve a dual purpose, both as integrated motors supporting the combustion core and as energy generators.
Up to 10% Reduction in Pollutant Emissions
One of HyTEC’s objectives is to design and prove that a jet engine with a smaller core can produce the same amount of thrust as engines currently used in airliners, thanks to integrating electric motors and more heat- and pressure-resistant materials. The result would be a dual reduction in fuel consumption and emissions: through the use of integrated electric systems and a smaller thermal engine that would emit around 5%-10% fewer pollutants by burning less fuel than current engines. While these percentages may not seem large, if these engines become the commercial aviation standard in the future, they could significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The Two Phases of NASA’s Project
HyTEC is structured into two phases to achieve its ambitious goal, as detailed on NASA’s website. Phase 1, currently wrapping up, focused on selecting component technologies for the primary demonstrator. Phase 2 will involve researchers designing, building, and testing a compact core in collaboration with GE Aerospace. “This phase will culminate in a core demonstration test that will validate the technology for transition to the industry,” added Anthony Nerone.
