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Review of More Electric Engines for Civil Aircraft

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Abstract

More electric engines (MEEs) and more electric aircraft are mainly implemented to address the global warming issue and make engines more fuel efficient. Developing technology has made them applicable. This paper presents a detailed introduction to the MEE for civil aircraft, including its architecture, characteristics and performance, as well as the potential benefits of fuel consumption and emissions reduction. It is obvious that the adoption of electric components, such as active magnet bearings, electric starters and generators and electric fuel pumps, is beneficial. It is especially advantageous when mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems with great weight and complex structures are eliminated. Moreover, the exploration of electric propulsion systems indicates that the potential profits are large and tempting. The challenges and technology bottlenecks for MEEs are also discussed. With the further development of battery and motor technology, the MEE will undoubtedly play a dominant role in the civil aircraft market.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the AECC Shenyang Engine Research Institute for funding and support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Senior Engineer, AECC Shenyang Engine Research Institute, Shenyang, China

    Yixiong Liu & Da Mo

  2. Senior Lecturer, Centre for Propulsion Engineering, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

    Devaiah Nalianda & Ioannis Roumeliotis

  3. Reader, Centre for Propulsion Engineering, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

    Yiguang Li

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  1. Yixiong Liu
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Correspondence to Da Mo.

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An earlier version of this paper was presented at APISAT 2021, Jeju, South Korea, in November 2021.

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Liu, Y., Mo, D., Nalianda, D. et al. Review of More Electric Engines for Civil Aircraft. Int. J. Aeronaut. Space Sci. 23, 784–793 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-022-00469-0

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