Embraer Reveals New Developments in Energia Concepts

Embraer has revealed new developments in its sustainable aircraft concepts – Energia. Announced during the Farnborough Airshow, Embraer has expanded its research to include 50 seater aircraft, from the previous focus on 30 seats. Embraer has also expanded its research to include Hydrogen Gas Turbine/Dual Fuel (GT/DF) approaches – adding to the exploration of  Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell technologies.  

The origin of these developments can be traced back directly to Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group. The Energia Advisory Group, which meets periodically, is an experienced and knowledgable team of airlines, lessors, suppliers, and other aviation experts advising Embraer on the development of sustainable aircraft. With this input, and applying Embraer’s engineering expertise, not only on new propulsion technologies, but in advanced aerodynamics, structural design, systems integration, quietness, and superior passenger comfort; the Energia concepts target sustainable and commercially viable aircraft for the future.

Arjan Meijer, Embraer’s President & CEO of Commercial Aviation, said, “We will continue to explore the needs of our customers’ and the industry as technology potentials, infrastructure, and regulation evolve – we forsee a potential entry into service of an Energia concept in the next decade. I would like to thank the members of the advisory group for so generously giving their time and expertise to this important challenge. Members can also be sure we heard what they said about viability – that complete feasibility is required across the board, including all technical, economic, commercial, and infrastructure aspects – the message was clear – this challenge is about much more than new propulsion technology development.”

The developments in the Energia concepts are summarized below, further information and images of the new concept aircraft are in the link following:

New concepts main attributes include:

• Advanced airframe design - clean wing without propwash; advancements in aerodynamics, structural design, and systems integration
• Superior cabin comfort
• Quietness - rear propulsion, much quieter cabin

Hybrid-Electric Concepts:  

• Parallel hybrid electric powerplant, with next generation thermal engines and small electric engine employed to maximize thermal engine efficiency (take off & idle phases)
• Propulsion electrification integrated with more electric aircraft systems
• Small, cost-efficient battery

Fuel Cell Concepts:

• Fuel cell propulsion system, leading to a zero carbon, NOx and soot emissions, more efficient than small gas turbines, but heavier, and requires complex thermal management
• Advanced propulsion installation with optimization strategies for fuel cell thermal management, reducing weight and drag

Hydrogen/Dual fuel Concepts

• Hydrogen or dual fuel gas turbine engine
• If dual fuel: hydrogen used for typical missions and hydrogen liquid tanks (cryogenic) sized for the typical mission, while JetA/SAF used for range extension and reserves
• If Hydrogen only, hydrogen liquid tanks (cryogenic) sized for full range
• Zero carbon emissions, low NOx