Jan Klesa

Abstract: In this paper, a small airplane is redesigned by using a distributed electrical propulsion (DEP) system. The design procedure is focused on the reduction of fuel consumption in cruise regime with constrained parameters of take-off/landing. In this case, a one half wing area compared to an original airplane is used. Take-off distance and minimum airspeed for landing is achieved by distributed propellers mounted on the leading edge of the wing. These propellers induce velocity on the wing and thereby increase local dynamic pressure, thus the required lift force can be reached with smaller wing area. Moreover, the distributed propellers are assumed as folded in cruise regime to minimize drag when the main combustion engine provides sufficient power.

Abstract: This paper is focused on the usage of distributed electric propulsion (DEP) in order to increase aerodynamic efficiency. A ten seats aircraft is used as a case study. New design uses the existing fuselage, tail and turboprop engine, only wing is completely redesigned. The cost function for the design procedure consists of two parts. The first one is aerodynamic efficiency, which has a primary impact on fuel consumption, and the second one is weight of the wing. Lifting line theory with blade element momentum theory is used to design a wing geometry with DEP. Optimal geometry is also verified by CFD simulation. The estimation of the wing weight is needed for the second part of the cost function. This was done by the design of elementary wing parts under CS-23 regulation. The wing is assumed as full-aluminium with two spars. The main goal of this optimization is to redesign the wing for a given range and save as much fuel as possible.