The first application of the European collaborative CLEAN engine technology could well be the next generation powerplant for narrowbody replacements of Boeing's 737 and the Airbus A320, whenever they are launched, says Robert Lundberg, marketing director, business development and strategies at Volvo Aero.
The Swedish company is displaying the engine-tested rear turbine frame of CLEAN - part of a European Union research and development project involving a number of the continent's engine makers - on its stand. It designed, developed and manufactured the component and was also responsible for the LP turbine case and assembly of the entire engine.
The CLEAN engine was run in extensive static tests over the winter at the University of Stuttgart in Germany. Now the manufacturers of each component are analysing the wealth of data from these tests. The information will be invaluable when the companies develop a new engine. "Next time we design a turbine structure we will have calibrated methods from an actual engine test," says Lundberg.
Project
"This has really been a strong European demonstration project, and is one of the first examples of this type of joint collaboration," says Lundberg. European engine makers are already discussing the next phase of R&D with the European Commission.
For Volvo Aero projects like CLEAN are important for technology development and to showcase Volvo Aero's capabilities. "We want to show how we can be involved in engine development programmes and there is no better proof of that than having new concepts engine proven and validated," says Lundberg. The CLEAN engine validates technology for future engines with new thermodynamic cycles, such as intercooling, recuperaton and geared fan cycles.
Source: Flight Daily News
