What’s Lincoln’s involvement in the EU FP7 MAAT Advanced Airship Programme?

The A380 features elements from the More Electric and Power Optimised Aircraft projects

Over the years, Profs Stewart and Bingham in the School of Engineering at the University of Lincoln have been involved in many projects related to the Power Optimised (POA) or More Electric (MEA) Aircraft, primarily in the areas of advanced electrical machines and actuators, power electronic energy converters, and electrical power system design and optimisation.

For example, the EU FP6 MOET (More Open Electrical Technologies) was a 66.61 million euro Integrated Project of 62 European Partners from 15 countries composed of universities, research centres a broad range of aircraft, system and component manufacturers representing the whole supply chain who are ready to set up the PbW (Power by Wire) standard.

In line with the vision 2020, MOET aimed to establish the new industrial standard for commercial aircraft electrical system design, which will directly contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the aeronautical industry. MOET will also contribute reducing aircraft emissions and improving operational aircraft capacity. Recent National and European research activities and state of the art commercial aircraft developments, have launched more advanced approaches for on-board energy power management systems. These benefits have also been recognised in North America where this is being given special consideration. A step change is necessary to remove current air and hydraulic engine off-takes and further increase the electrical power generation capability.

This in itself will require significant changes to current electrical generation and network techniques. After Fly by wire, the Power by Wire concept (PbW) will enhance aircraft design and use by power source rationalisation and electrical power flexibility. This will be achieved by developing the necessary design principles, technologies and standards.

Over a 3-year period, MOET project objectives were:

– Validate scalable electrical networks up to 1MW considering new voltages and advanced concepts including system transformation of future air, actuation and electrical systems into all electrical solutions,
– Assess the PbW concept integration at aircraft level considering a more composite environment and the interfaces with the avionics world,
– Build a design environment aiming to design and validate standardised solutions and a coherent set of platforms open to the full supply chain, in order to develop an optimised high performance PbW concept.

Lincoln:Engineering and the FP7 MAAT Advanced Airship

In addition to involvement in other work packages, from September 2011, Lincoln:Engineering will be leading the ‘Energy and Propulsive Systems’ work package.

This Work Package is related to the fundamental energy production and propulsion system. It will analyze and define the optimal propulsion both for cruiser and feeder airships focusing on innovative systems which can overcome the traditional limitations of traditional propellers at high altitudes. The purpose of the WP3 Energy and Propulsive Systems is to produce:

  • parametric dimensioning methods for of the cruiser and feeder PV (photovoltaic) roofs
  • design of a thermo-physical system which control the volume and the temperature of the gas ballonets even in presence of ample thermal gradients
  • design of internal energy transport and distribution systems
  • design of energy storage system (electrolytic hydrogen and oxygen) and conversion by fuel cells
  • optimal propulsive systems design of cruiser and feeder, both for their common operative autonomous missions and for their integration inside the MAAT modular cruiser system.

Partners on the EU FP7 Advanced Airship project: Polytechnic of Torino (Energy Department)

Organization: Polytechnic of Torino (Energy Department)

Short name: POLITO

General Description

The Polytechnic of Torino is a research university aiming to get a harmonic development of both fundamental and applied research. The staff includes more than 900 teaching people and about the same number of technical and administrative people working in the framework of 5 faculties, 1 PhD school, 18 Departments and 7 Service Centers. The provisional economic balance for 2010 is estimated to be about 380 millions euro. The University Ministry (MIUR) provides about 1/3 of the incoming. Students are 29300, spread on 96 learning paths (22 short graduations, 31 full graduations, 23 PhD, 20 post-graduation courses) 18 of which fully English teaching.

Energy Department basically studies energy conversion processes, developing the research and teaching activi- ties about subjects like combustion, nuclear fission and fusion, aerospace propulsion, pneumatic, internal com- bustion engines, energy systems environmental impact, thermal economy, safety and risk analysis of energy and transport systems, internal environment engineering.

Main related expertise

Emilio Cafaro, professor, born in Lecce on July 14-th 1952, graduated in Nuclear Engineering at Polytechnic of Torino and had the PhD at the Energy Department of the Polytechnic of Torino. His graduation and PhD disser- tations have been carried out at the Université Libre in Bruxelles (Physical Chemistry Department, Prof. Ilya Prigogine) and at Von Karman Institute for Fluid-dynamics in Bruxelles (Environmental Aerodynamics Depart- ment Prof. D. Olivari).irrespectively. He won a free competition for Associated Professor in the subject group ―Fisica Tecnica‖ at the Engineering Faculty of Polytechnic of Torino on the Termodinamica Applicata chair since 1992. At present he is teacher of the following courses: Sistemi a Combustione; Accumulo e Trasporto dell‘Energia; the courses are both attaining the full graduation of ―Ingegneria Energetica e Nucleare‖ and in charge of the following PhD courses: Modellazione e Simulazione Numerica di Flussi Turbolenti, Ingegneria della Sicurezza Antincendio ed Analisi di Rischio.

Carlo Cima, engineer, born in Brescia on February 18-th 1962 graduated cum laude in Nuclear Engineering at Polytechnic of Torino and had the PhD at the Energy Department of the Polytechnic of Torino. He won a compe- tition for University Researcher in the subject group ―Fisica Tecnica‖ at the Engineering Faculty of Polytechnic of Torino in 1995. His research activities attain the following fields: Combustion theory and applications, Nu- merical modelling and simulation of turbulent reactive flows, Fire safety engineering and risk analysis.

Related publications (others related publications in attachment): L. De Giorgi, V. Bertola, E. Cafaro, C. Cima, Controlling Numerical Solutions By Entropy Analysis, Proceed- ings Of The International Heat Transfer Conference Ihtc14, Washington, Dc, USA, August 8-13, 2010. L. De Giorgi, V. Bertola, E. Cafaro, C. Cima, M. De Salve, B. Panella, Heat Transfer In Liquid Nitrogen Flows Inside Smooth Pipes, Proceedings Of The International Heat Transfer Conference Ihtc14, Washington, Dc, USA, August 8-13, 2010. Bertola V, Cafaro E., Cima C, Testa A (2002). Cooling Properties Of A Dilute Aqueous Polymeric Solution. Aiaa Paper, Vol. 2002-0497, Issn: 0146-3705 Cafaro E., Cima C (1993). Non-Linear Analysis Of The Two-Dimensional Rayleigh-Taylor Instability. Interna- tional Communications In Heat And Mass Transfer, Vol. 20; P. 597-603, Issn: 0735-1933

Partners on the EU FP7 Advanced Airship project: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Vakgroep Toegepaste Mechanica

Organization: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Vakgroep Toegepaste Mechanica Short name: VUB

General Description

The Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics Research Group at the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering (MECH) of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has been in the forefront of the fluid dynamic research for more than two dec- ades. It is conducting research activities in Computational and Experimental Fluid Dynamics (CFD, EFD) as support to the industrial and government organizations. MECH has experience and results (software, methods, tools and techniques) in the areas of data analysis and visualization, where the interoperability and transparency for the distributed visualization of heterogeneous data sets is promoted to be extended towards the semantically rich multidisciplinary engineering web-applications. In addition, it has a laboratory with two subsonic wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measuring equipment such as LDA and PIV to conduct fluid dynamic research, and it own computer center with several customized multiprocessors servers.

Main related expertise

Dean Vucinic, professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel is responsible for the Research and Development of the scientific visualization technologies in European R&D projects sup- ported by the European Framework Programs, the EUREKA program and the Tempus educational program. Ship Screw Designer, Naval Architect and CAD/CAM expert, Senior Research Scientist. Related publications (others related publications in attachment):

D. Vucinic, “Object Oriented Programming For Computer Graphics And Flow Visualization,” In Vki Lecture Series On Computer Graphics And Flow Visualization In Cfd. Vol. Vki Monograph 1991-07 Von Karman Insti- tute For Fluid Dynamics, Brussels, Belgium, 1991, P. 37. D. Vucinic, M. Pottiez, V. Sotiaux, And C. Hirsch, “Cfview – An Advanced Interactive Visualization System Based On Object-Oriented Approach,” In Aiaa 30th Aerospace Sciences Meeting Reno, Nevada, 1992.

C. Hirsch, J. Torreele, D. Keymeulen, D. Vucinic, And J. Decuyper, “Distributed Visualization In Cfd ” Speedup Journal, Volume 8, Number 1, 1994. D. Vucinic And B. K. Hazarika, “Integrated Approach To Computational And Experimental Flow Visualization Of A Double Annular Confined Jet,” Journal Of Visualization, Vol.4, No. 3, 2001.

K. Grijspeerdt, B. K. Hazarika, And D. Vucinic, “Application Of Computational Fluid Dynamics To Model The Hydrodynamic Of Plate Heat Exchangers For Milk Processing,” Journal Of Food Engineering, Vol. 57, Pp. 237- 242, May 2003. D. Vucinic, ―Advance Scientific Visualization, A Multidisciplinary Technlogy Based On Engineering And Com- puter Science‖, International Journal Of Electrical And Computer Engineering Systems Issn 1847-6996, Volume 1, Number 1, June 2010.

D. Vucinic, “Multidisciplinary Visualization Aspects In European R&D Projects”, Proceedings Of The ASME 2010, Imece2010-39874, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, November 2010.

Partners on the EU FP7 Advanced Airship project: Aero Sekur Spa, Italy

Organization: Aero Sekur Spa Short name: ASKR

General Description

Aero Sekur SpA is a Small & Medium Enterprise established in Italy and part of the English group Aero Sekur Ltd since July 2007. The Company mission is to provide products and services aimed to support life and survival of people and security forces, as well as operation of aerospace, maritime and land vehicles, on the basis of proven and best mechanical, software, textile and advanced material technologies on a National and International perspective. Aero Sekur is a specialist supplier of safety systems and advanced flexible materials to the global aerospace and security markets. The company has extensive manufacturing and R&D facilities in Italy and repre- sentations worldwide. The core competency of the business is the design and development of advanced engi- neered structures using flexible materials. The Company has a considerable experience in dealing with private Customers and Governmental Organizations, calling to operate both as a main or sub contractor for complex sys- tems, having the responsibility for the supply of complete turnkey packages, including full Logistic Support and Training to final operators. Aero Sekur has a deep experience in inflatable technologies and coated multi-layer structures and has, over the years, designed, developed, qualified and produced a wide range of personal and col- lective emergency, safety and protective equipment, as well as parachutes and airships. Aero Sekur constantly undertakes research activities in specific key areas like materials technology, computer aided production man- agement, fabrication skills. The Company research, development and manufacturing areas are continually evolv- ing to meet the challenge of new designs and constant improvements in technical and performance requirements. In addition, the Company has grown together with a loyal, stable and skilful workforce.

Main related expertise

Simonetti Spallotta Roberto, B.S. Mechanical Engineering-University of Rome Tor Vergata, Licensed Engi- neer, Product Engineering Manager – Parachute Products, Inflatable Products, Flexible Fuel tanks, Chief Product Engineer – Parachute and Airdrop Systems in Aero Sekur, Project Engineer – Parachute Systems in Aero Sekur, Project Engineer – CNBR Filtration systems in Aero Sekur, Process and Logistics Analyst in TNT Logistics It- aly, US DOT – FAA Company Liaison FAR 145, Company Certifying Staff. Training in Heinrich Parachute Systems Design Course, Human Factor (Jar 145 – Amdt. 5) (GM145.A.30), EASA Part-145 (AMC; GM), ISO – 9001:2000, Materials for space applications (ESA)

Bianchi Andrea, B.S. Aerospace Engineering-University of Rome La Sapienza, Project Leader Inflatable in Aero Sekur, R&D Department – Design & Development of Emergency Installations for Helicopters – Production Engineering (EASA Part 21) Materials for space applications (ESA), Design and Prototyping of Space Inflatable Systems Materials for space applications (ESA), Company Production Engineering Manager (EASA Part21). Training in EASA Part-21 (AMC; GM) + annual recurring, ISO – 9001:2000, Project Management, Human Fac- tors in Maintenance, Simultaneous Engineering

Partners on the EU FP7 Advanced Airship project: Exponential Design Lab, Ururguay

Organization: exponential Design Lab Short name: eDL

General Description

eDL is a design, city planning, architecture, industrial, system and product design, project management and space architecture organization composed of engineers and architects. In its actual form founded in 2007 in Montevi- deo, Uruguay. It is active in advanced projects in energy conservation, power generation in buildings, vertical agriculture, decontamination systems, and advanced product ecosystems. Its capabilities include: Architectural, interior, structural, urban design; Graphic design, rendering, animation, Vehicle design, Product , system and in- dustrial design, Concept design, preliminary design and final engineering (drawings and specifications), Cost estimates and scheduling; Scheduling, Purchasing, Expediting, Project and construction management, Prototyp- ing support, Quality control, Final tests and delivery, Marketing support implementation.

Main related expertise

Arch Giorgio Gaviraghi, President and founder of eDL in the year 2007. Over 40 years of active experience as designer,projectmanagerandgeneralmanagerofdesignandconstructionorganizations. Involvedinaerospacefacility design as project manager for the Austin Company (Boeing Aeritalia, commercial wide body assembly facilities) HAI-Lockheed Westinghouse commercial and military aircraft overhauling facility in Tanagra Greece) and air- port design as responsible of Group 2A (Alitalia-Austin). For MLA New York, the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program, designed an electromagnetic (rail gun) testing facility in Picatinny NJ US Army. Co designer of Euro Mars, Martian simulated base, Bidu Guiday Lunar base and city and several aerospace projects. Tutor of groups of high school and university students in space related projects, sponsored by NASA and similar organi- zations, and winning over 10 awards in three years , Space settlement design, Mars city, advanced aircraft, Ras- cal finalist with a lunar city project, is familiar with new and advanced concepts in space related or high tech proposals. Project management experience in major projects, (housing repair and rebuilding in seismic damaged zone), pharmaceutical, food, aerospace facilities, airport design. Vehicle design, urban car system, boats and air- planes interiors. Presented over twenty papers at space conventions , NSS; Mars Society, AIAA, ESA and others. Author science fiction book  ̳First Contact‘ Minerva Press London 2000. Member of the board Lifeboat Founda- tion.

Arch Maria Adela Gimenez, University professor and eDL co founder. Over 20 years experience in city plan- ning and advanced building design ( energy conservation, power generation from renewable, hydroponic agricul- ture and other systems. Professor at UTU Universidad del Trabajo in Montevideo. Co tutor of high school and university students for winning space related projects.

Prof. Renzo Ghio, professor of renewable power systems, electronics and information technology at UTU Universidad del Trabajo Montevideo. Over 20 years experience in advanced design and systems.