More Electric, Integrated Fuel Systems

Engine system reliability can be improved by advanced electric architectures, while the reduction of hydraulic components, fuel tubes, and fittings can enhance the maintainability of the engine and minimize pilot workload.

Global warming and environmental friendliness considerations have recently been key for multiple global industries. In the commercial aviation industry, reduction of aircraft emissions, including CO₂ and noise, is an urgent priority. Both aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers are striving to improve design to accommodate the needs of commercial airlines. Engine manufacturers in particular have worked long and hard to improve each engine component, e.g., compressors, turbines, combustors, etc.

However, the need for another approach to further improve engine efficiency motivated researchers from IHI Aerospace to focus on the system approach, including the control system, fuel system, or other engine systems, ultimately resulting in an MEE (more electric engine).