ROUND UP
A
t the Parisian ‘Le Bourget’ air show, Siemens,
EADS and Diamond Aircraft showcased the
next generation DA36 E-Star with a serial-hybrid
electric drive. This drive concept enables quiet
electric takeoff and a considerable reduction in
both fuel consumption and emissions of up to
25%. The second generation aircraft has proven
that this technology is suitable for commercial
use. After successful preliminary testing in 2011,
joint development efforts by the companies
involved have now reached a further milestone.
The aircraft exhibited at the ‘Le Bourget’ air show
successfully completed a one-hour maiden flight
at Wiener Neustadt airfield on June 1. Thanks to
the innovative integrated drivetrain fromSiemens,
it was possible to reduce the empty weight of the
motor glider by around 100 kg compared with its
predecessor in 2011. This means the aircraft has
a realistic capacity and range as expected from a
commercial aircraft. The propeller of the motor
glider is electrically driven by a hybrid system,
consisting of an Integrated Drive System from
Siemens and a generator that is powered by a
small Austro Engine Wankel rotary engine. The
DA36 E-Star 2's drive system provides an output
of 80 kW during takeoff and a continuous output
of 65 kW. The electric motor weighs just 13 kg. At
5 kW/kg, its specific continuous output is twice that
of the first prototype and about five times greater
than that of a typical industrial electric motor. The
power electronics and gearbox are integrated
into the electric motor and included in the weight
stated. For takeoff and climbing, additional energy
is drawn from a battery which is recharged dur-
ing cruising. This battery is provided by EADS
InnovationWorks (IW), the corporate research and
technology network of EADS.
"The technology is scalable and will soon be
making its way into small aircraft and in the future,
commercial aircraft with 50 to 100 passengers,
making aviation 'greener'," said Ralf-Michael
Franke, chief executive officer of Siemens Drive
Technologies Division. "This milestone in de-
velopment once again proves that the
Siemens
Integrated Drive Systems concept is the way of
the future in drive technology. It also shows that
this approach will provide higher powers coupled
with increased energy efficiency in many different
industries and applications."
Enquiries: Keshin Govender. Email Keshin.
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Successful maiden flight at Paris Air Show
Drives, motors and switchgear
