DENOX project aims to develop and experimentally prove two breakthrough technology concepts and their optimal combination for drastic reduction of NOx emissions in aeronautic gas-turbine engines (GTEs). Technology concept 1 is electrochemical suppression of NOx generation in primary combustion zone. It consists in generation of modulated discharge(s) in combustion chamber to initiate chemical reactions competitive to conventional NOx generation mechanisms. Technology concept 2 is electromagnetic decomposition of NOx molecules in engine exhaust. It consists in application of multi-frequency electromagnetic fields to the exhaust flow to ensure resonance excitation of chemical bonds in NOx molecules up to their dissociation. DENOX technology concepts are underpinned by the results of KhAI’s theoretical investigations and numerical studies of high-temperature high-pressure low emission combustion processes, which demonstrated potential to decrease NOx concentration in exhausting gases on 20-95% without decreasing of engine efficiency. The project will combine analytical studies and numerical simulations with experimental investigations and multi-level testing campaign to translate proposed technology concepts from TRL1 to TRL3 and to assess full potential of their combination for the next-generation GTEs. DENOX outcomes will contribute to the advancement of aircraft engines in both (i) mid-term perspective (EIS 2035) through progress in understanding and modelling of high-temperature low emission combustion processes, and (ii) long-term perspective (EIS 2050) through the potential to drastically reduce NOx emissions to meet Clean Sky 2 High Level Objectives and ACARE SRIA goals.

The UHBR engine is one of the most fuel-efficient propulsion concepts available today. However, outstanding technical and environmental performances are counterbalanced by severe operational conditions of engine systems. The EVAL project aims to create a demonstrator of a passive cooling system, based on a loop heat pipe (LHP) technology, for efficient thermal management of the UHBR engine bleed system valves exposed to a harsh temperature environment. The EVAL innovation will consist in combination of (i) working fluids able to meet the bleed system valve cooling requirements and aeronautical standards; (ii) EU’s domestic patented technology of evaporator-reservoir modular unit (ALTOM), which makes possible to create superior in thermal performance, compact, lightweight, robust, reliable, easy-to-integrate and still cost-effective thermal management systems; and (iii) innovative technology of LHP charging on-site. The project activities will be concentrated within TRL 4–6 range and will result in a “degraded environment” demonstration of LHP-based passive cooling system capabilities to realize precise thermal management of aircraft engine bleed system valves. In the future, the EVAL thermal management system – playing the role of “enabling technology” – will ensure accurate and precise regulation of the airflow in the UHBR engine, thus, will contribute to reliable and efficient long-term operation of the engine in the whole. Therefore, EVAL project will contribute to high-level impacts expected by the Clean Sky 2 Programme within the key pillars defined in H2020. The project will be realized by R&D teams of (1) National Aerospace University “KhAI” experienced in complex thermal management systems for aerospace and terrestrial applications, and (2) Allatherm SIA, a high-tech SME with key specialization in two-phase heat transfer technologies and devices. Administrative management and coordination will be provided by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU). Close collaboration between academia and business will ensure strong innovation and marketing potential of the EVAL project outputs.

The AMBEC project aims to develop a reliable experimentally validated methodology able to calculate heat transfer coefficients and fluid distribution in different zones of bearing chamber. The methodology will be used for improvement of the design of compact bearing chambers in hot environment. Proposed concept consists in combination of advanced CFD simulation and experimental investigation of fluid flows and heat transfer phenomena in bearing chamber. The advantages of the proposed methodology consist in: - More accurate determination of oil film thickness and, consequently, heat exchange conditions and heat fluxes along the perimeter of the bearing chamber. Numerical simulation of oil film formation and motion will take into account the combined action of forces of interphase interaction, gravity and centrifugal effects. - More accurate determination of heat exchange between air and oil film. This problem will be solved taking into account possible rupture of liquid film onto the drops, their crushing and coagulation. These advantages fully meet call expectations, while proposed approaches and methodologies have been proven by AMBEC partners during previous extensive R&Ds. After project completion, the Topic Leader will obtain experimentally validated innovative methodology for analysis of heat transfer and fluid flows in the compact bearing chamber and recommendations for chamber design improvement. These outputs will feed the development of LP spool bearing chamber for UHPE Demonstrator for SMR aircraft in the frame of CS2 Engine ITD activities. Application of AMBEC methodology for aircraft engine design will ensure less oil flow rate, which will lead to reduction of power consumption by oil pumps and thus overall fuel savings. This will give European aeronautical industry an opportunity to better compete at global market and will contribute to greening of EU aviation.