Integrated design optimization of a novel electrically-driven helicopter ECS using low-GWP refrigerants as working fluid

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

F. Ascione (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)

Andrea Giuffré (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)

P Colonna di Paliano (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)

C. M. Servi (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion, Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek)

Research Group
Flight Performance and Propulsion
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2025.06.015
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Flight Performance and Propulsion
Bibliographical Note
Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository as part of the Taverne amendment. More information about this copyright law amendment can be found at https://www.openaccess.nl. Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public. @en
Volume number
178
Pages (from-to)
379-395
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Abstract

The Environmental Control System (ECS) is the main utilizer of non-propulsive power among the aircraft subsystems. Onboard helicopters, the ECS is based on the Vapour Compression Cycle (VCC) concept, and the standard refrigerant is R-134a. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of replacing the conventional scroll compressor with a high-speed centrifugal compressor operating with a low-GWP refrigerant as the prime mover of the VCC system. The case study is the ECS of a large helicopter and the sizing operating condition is that of the helicopter on the ground on a hot and humid day. The working fluids identified as potential alternatives to R-134a are the haloolefins R-1233zd(E), R-1234ze(Z), R-1224yd(Z) and R-1336mzz(Z). An integrated design optimization method has been employed to simultaneously account for the design of the VCC system, its main components, and the selection of the working fluid. The model of the VCC system has been coded with the acausal Modelica language. The design of the high-speed compressor has been performed with an in-house program validated with experimental data. The objectives of the optimization are the maximization of the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the minimization of the system weight. The results show that the use of haloolefins in place of R-134a allows the design of lighter and more efficient VCC systems. In particular, the refrigerant R-1234ze(Z) enables the identification of an optimal design point featuring a 12% increase in COP and a 26% reduction in weight.

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