An Intelligent Ice Protection System for Next Generation Aircraft Trajectory Optimisation
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AN INTELLIGENT ICE PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR NEXT GENERATION AIRCRAFT TRAJECTORY OPTIMISATION Ahmed Shinkafi, Craig Lawson, Ravinka Seresinhe, Daniele Quaglia and Irfan Madani Cranfield University, Aerospace Department, MK43 0AL, UK [email protected] Keywords: Aircraft ice protection, next-generation, trajectory optimisation Abstract This paper describes the development of an 1 Introduction Intelligent Ice Protection System (IIPS) for integration into an aircraft trajectory The growing trend of air travel has made optimisation framework developed as part of the aviation the fastest growing source of global Clean Sky programme. The IIPS is developed in warming and climate change [1]. Based on the MATLAB incorporating features of more current annual projection of about 5%, the electric systems and future air navigation annual passenger total is expected to increase environment. A typical flight from London from 3.1 billion in 2013 to 6.4 billion by 2030 Airport Heathrow (EGLL/LHR) airport to [2]. CO2 emission is by far the largest among Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM/AMS) was pollutants from air transport. In Europe alone, it used as a case study. Initial results show that is estimated that more than 300,000 tonnes of further savings on fuel burn and flight time CO2 is generated from aircraft operations per could be achieved if icing phenomenon is day [3]. As a result, EU initiated three stream considered in aircraft trajectory optimization comprehensive projects/measures to mitigate scheme. the impacts of aviation on the environment and fuel resources. These are R&D for greener technology, modernised air traffic management Nomenclature systems and market based measures. : Aircraft mass : Aerodynamic speed The Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) ݉ : Thrust magnitude is the flagship of the R&D projects for the ܸ : Altitude greening of air transport in EU. The Clean Sky ܶ : Lift magnitude is a private/public research partnership at ℎ : Drag magnitude European level in the field of aviation to ܮ : Gravity acceleration ܦ : Flight path angle develop the technologies necessary for a clean, ݃ : Heading angle innovative and competitive system of air ߛ : Specific fuel consumption transport. This would be done through the ߯ : Geodetic latitude achievement of ACARE targets of reducing the ܿ : Geodetic longitude emissions of CO2, NOx and unburnt φ : Earth radius hydrocarbons by 50%, 80% and 50% ߣ : Bank or roll angle respectively by 2020 referenced to 2000 ܴா : High Pressure standard [4]. One of the Clean Sky activities is ߤ : Intermediate Pressure the Management of Trajectory and Mission ܪܲ : Intelligent Ice Protection System (MTM) work package which is under Systems ܫܲ& : Research and Development ܫܫܲܵ 1 ܴ ܦ A. SHINKAFI, C. LAWSON, R. SERESINHE, D. QUAGLIA AND I MADANI for Green Operations (SGO) - Integrated issues may be explored. This would include Technology Demonstrators (ITD). assessment of the cost, benefit and risk associated with using routing for aircraft ice This research was carried out under the SGO protection. ITD and proposes a controllable ice protection system for aircraft fitted with future air 1.2 Performance Based Navigation System navigation systems. The research aimed at Ground-based systems have served the aviation investigating ways to operate aircraft at low community well since inception; however as power levels through changes in aircraft demand for air transportation services increases, operation strategy that takes into account they do not permit the flexibility of point-to- optimised flight routings due to icing point operations required for the future ATM conditions. Conventional approaches to environment [5]. Hence, ICAO has adopted the trajectory optimisation do not take the airframe Performance Based Navigation (PBN) system to systems penalty into account in contrast to real address these challenges. PBN defines aircraft operation. This research has developed a performance requirements for aircraft tool capable of sizing and simulating aircraft navigating on an Air Traffic Service (ATS) anti-icing performance for trajectory route, terminal procedure or in a designated optimisation which would enable development airspace. Through the application of Area of decision making processes dependent on Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation weather within the flight management system; Performance (RNP) specifications, PBN thus transforming the conventional Ice provides the means for flexible routes and Protection System (IPS) to a more intelligent terminal procedures [1]. The International Air system. Transport Association (IATA) estimated that shorter PBN routes globally could cut CO2 1.1 Objectives of the Research emissions by 13 million tonnes per year [6]. While continuing to have safety as a primary Flying PBN routes eliminates 3.19 kg of CO2 objective, this work was about utilising future emissions for every kg of fuel savings [6]. One aircraft's Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) of the major advantages of PBN system is that it concept to investigate possible ways of permits optimal trajectory based operations by minimising IPS operational demand power that providing very precise lateral and vertical flight would lead to greater efficiency and capacity. paths. From 2030 and beyond, aircraft are The primary objectives of this work, therefore, expected to fly optimal trajectories that are are to: defined in the form of three dimensional develop a consistent and cohesive waypoints plus associated required times (4D) strategy of managing in-flight icing in a of overfly [3]. future ATM environment that enables efficient flight planning, 1.3 Concept of Next generation Aircraft investigate the response of today's The next generation aircraft is considered to be cutting edge aircraft icing technologies extremely efficient by design, light weight in the future 4D navigation environment, (composites structures) with lower maintenance use optimised aircraft trajectories to and overall operating costs, and reduced impact investigates ways to operate aircraft at on the environment. There is a lot of progress low power levels in icing conditions and towards the development of new and more Conceptualise controllable ice protection efficient de-icing systems that are compatible system for intelligent aircraft operation. with next generation composite airframe The secondary objectives are to build IPS model structures. This includes the heater mat for the total system burden, and algorithm for technology, smart IPS and icephobic coatings intelligent operation so that potential savings among others. Projects such as Clean Sky, associated with routing and other operational NextGen/SESAR, ON-WINGS, ERAST, 2 An Intelligent Ice Protection System for Next Generation Aircraft Trajectory Optimisation Boeing CFD and EADS VoltAir are all projects consumption. Hence, there are on-going pursued towards more efficient aircraft systems research efforts aimed at developing Passive Ice energy management and cleaner environment. Protection Systems (PIPS) that are easy and require less energy. One prominent feature of The next generation aircraft is conceptualised PIPS is the use of icephobic coatings on aircraft utilising the All-Electric Aircraft (AEA) parts prone to inflight icing to reduce ice technology. Though the transition to AEA adherence to the surfaces. configuration is still far away, there is a great achievement in a More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Previous experiments have shown that technology. In the MEA configuration, it is icephobic coatings have the potential to assumed that the majority of the airframe significantly reduce power consumption [12]. systems will be powered electrically retaining However, these coatings must have certain present form of hydraulic, mechanical or chemical and physical properties to withstand pneumatic power [7] whereas, the AEA concept aircraft harsh operating environment. Thus, their assumes that the all aircraft systems will be durability and expected service life have not yet powered electrically. been established so also their overall cost as compared to AIPS. Erosion, corrosion and 1.4 Recent Progress in Next Generation IPS reaction with atmospheric substances vis-à-vis The classical pneumatic anti-icing system its effects to the environment are a great typically has a very simple on/off control challenge to understand at the moment. implementation. It taps bleed air power from the Response to lightening, electrostatic properties, engine which reduces the overall engine interference with electromagnetic signals and performance. This causes high fuel consumption avionic components are all issues that are not and, CO2 and NOx emissions which affects air yet resolved [13]. transport costs and the environment impact along the route. On the other hand, electrical anti/de-icing power could be provided by 2 Research Approach and Method generators on-board. Goodrich Corp tested There are basically three methods of managing electro-thermal technology on a Cessna 303T aircraft in-flight icing. These are through wing leading edge during the 2003/4 winter, and development of efficient anti/de-icing systems, reported that between 20-50% energy was saved effective weather avoidance strategy, and or ice compared to conventional anti-icing system [8]. tolerant aircraft designs. In the past, the efforts Boeing 787 is the first large fixed wing aircraft to reduce air transport cost and its negative to use electro-thermal de-icing system on impacts on the environment were mainly aircraft