NASA HyTec Award Spurs Thermally Efficient Core Project

GE has partnered with NASA to research advanced, sustainable engine cores as part of the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project. GE Aviation has been the recipient of multiple cost-share contracts for core development worth more than $20 million, which build on previous awards given under the program, for the 2020 HyTEC focus of enhancing power extraction tech for the next-gen turbofan program.

GE Aviation will design, develop, and test compact engine core designs, including compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine technologies, with a specific aim to improve thermal efficiency. Newer materials and manufacturing methods are hoped to enable the gains sought, with early use of ceramic matrix composites slated to take top billing in the design.

“The HyTEC project further expands GE Aviation’s partnership with NASA on the future of flight with our shared commitment to accelerate the introduction of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of commercial aviation and make a step-change reduction in fuel burn,” said Mohamed Ali, vice president of engineering for GE Aviation.

Boosting thermal efficiency is the top priority with this award, with goals of increasing fuel burn benefits by 5% to 10% when compared to best in class 2020 turbine performance numbers. Lower impact, reduced end-user cost, and miniaturization of the engine core are also desired. In a bid to prepare for a long service life, hybridization options will be built into the design at the outset.

GE Aviation has already been developing compact core designs on its own, as part of the CFM RISE project to design more sustainable engines. With very similar outcomes sought as the HyTEC targets, GE could get a head start on their work with enough technical overlap. Their current program targets include 100% sustainable avfuel and hydrogen and hybrid capability, with technical aspects like open fan architecture and lower CO2 emissions. GE seems confident they can make headway on the given targets. Ali sees the continued awards as a vote of confidence in their unit.

“We are grateful for NASA’s confidence in GE Aviation as a partner to co-develop sustainable technology solutions, including new aircraft engine cores and hybrid electric powertrains that are critical elements of our CFM RISE Program,” he said.

FMI: www.GEaviation.com