Development of a Model of Distributed Turboelectric Propulsion System for Transport Aircrafts

The paper deals with the first efforts in developing a model of distributed turboelectric propulsion system for transport aircrafts. A description of all the sub-systems is given: electric power is generated by a power system based on a turbo-alternator; the power is transmitted to a distributed thrust system, consisting of several electric motors moving fans for thrust generation, or to a battery package for electric energy storage. The model of the power system (to be completed) includes the turbo-alternator, the transmission line (with losses) and the electric energy storage system. The model of the thrust system includes the treatment of the boundary layer ingestion by the fans. The first results obtained by the models are illustrated.