The Clean Sky-2 EMVAL demonstrator project includes the development and testing of a new MTU turbine module and a new GKN Aerospace turbine exhaust module.
GKN Aerospace, a multinational developer of automotive and aerospace components, announced that the company has successfully designed, developed and delivered a new Turbine Exhaust Module to MTU. The module was developed by GKN Aerospace engineers at the company’s facility in Trollhättan Sweden. The Turbine Exhaust Module was delivered to MTU in Germany as part of the EU-funded Clean Sky-2 EMVAL demonstrator programme. The ground testing of the full-scale Engine demonstrator will be conducted in the later part of 2022at MTU. The demonstration will be a key milestone in the validation of the concept.
The Engine Material VALidation engine (EMVAL) demonstrator project includes the development and testing of a new MTU turbine module and a new GKN Aerospace turbine exhaust module. The test will be done using an existing turbo shaft engine modified as a test vehicle. The Turbine Exhaust Module is paramount for heat dissipation and performance of an aero-engine and due for this reason is a key component in improving efficiency.
Lars Ellbrant, Technology Programme Manager for the exhaust module development at GKN Aerospace said, “This type of demonstrator project is absolutely vital for GKN Aerospace in order to validate our new technologies at high TRL levels (TRL 5-6) using a full engine test together with international partners.”
GKN Aerospace will be presenting a paper on EMVAL and other demonstrator programmes on 8 September 2022 at the ICAS conference in Stockholm. The GKN Aerospace module includes a novel lightweight turbine exhaust case (TEC) design with separated thermal and mechanical functionality. It has been produced with extensive use of additive manufacturing (AM). The TEC consists of an inner load-carrying structure and aerodynamically shaped vanes (or heat shielding fairings). This concept can withstand higher temperatures than current TEC’s, but it also saves weight as the axial length can be reduced.
The Clean Sky-2 EMVAL programme
- Innovative lightweight design and manufacturing of Turbine Exhaust Module under Clean Sky-2 EMVAL programme will contribute to lower carbon emissions.
- Module is 20% lighter and can withstand 150°C higher temperatures compared to existing technology, contributing to increased engine efficiency and lower fuel burn.
- The Clean Sky-2 EMVAL programme aims to validate new materials and designs for introduction in the next-generation geared turbofan engines.
- Development confirms GKN Aerospace’s position at the forefront of the next generation of sustainable propulsion technology.
The engine demonstrations made within the European Clean Sky 2 programme will validate new solutions for the next generation of ultra-efficient aircraft engines. GKN Aerospace is a core partner in the Clean Sky-2 programmes. The aviation industry has unanimously agreed to become climate neutral by 2050 and reducing fuel consumption is fundamental to reaching this goal.
