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Hybrid-electric propulsion system for an aircraft

  • US 10,633,104 B2
  • Filed: 05/17/2017
  • Issued: 04/28/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2017
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a hybrid-electric propulsion system for an aircraft, the method comprising:

  • determining a flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to a first value;

    operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system in an electric charge mode in response to determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to the first value, wherein operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system in the electric charge mode comprises driving the electric machine with a combustion engine to generate electrical power, driving a prime propulsor with the combustion engine to generate thrust, and charging an energy storage unit with at least a portion of the electrical power generated;

    determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to a second value different from the first value;

    operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system in an electric discharge mode in response to determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to the second value, wherein operating the hybrid-electric propulsion system in the electric discharge mode comprises providing electrical power from the energy storage unit to at least one of an electric propulsor assembly to drive the electric propulsor assembly or to the electric machine to drive one or more components of the combustion engine; and

    modifying operation of the combustion engine in response to determining the flight phase parameter for the aircraft is equal to the second value, wherein modifying operation of the combustion engine comprises operating the combustion engine in an idle or sub-idle mode.

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