Analysis of automotive diesel conversions with KERS for future aerospace applications

Maximum takeoff or maximum continuous power is surprisingly often insufficient to guarantee absolute flight safety. Modern aircraft also need a conspicuous amount of electric power. The automotive industry in many respects is technology leader while aerospace industry is more conservative due to safety concerns. Ferrari developed an electronic KERS and implemented it in their Formula-One racing cars. KERS is capable of producing peak electrical power of 60 kW for 7s at a mass of 20 kg including rechargeable batteries. The main goal of this article is to explore utilization of turbo-charged aerodiesel engines and conduct feasibility study of the F1-derived KERS to assist power generation in normal and critical flight phases. The KERS’ reversible brushless electric motor works as a generator for all aircraft power needs and also provides starting power. It is demonstrated here that such design philosophy improves performance and flight safety of light-to-medium airplanes and helicopters.