The exFan consortium held its General Assembly Meeting (M12) on December 12-13, 2024, in Hamburg, Germany, hosted by Fraunhofer IAPT. This annual meeting provided a platform for reviewing progress and planning the next steps in the project.
During the meeting, discussions covered topics of critical project management (WP1) and updates on dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities (WP2). A significant portion of the meeting focused on the work achieved in WP3, including a detailed presentation on propulsion system requirements, aircraft boundary conditions, and the hybrid energy system layout. The team showcased a model linking system components to gather insights into key parameters such as Power Split Coefficient (PSC) and Fan Pressure Ratios (FPR). Further analyses included an environmental impact assessment of hydrogen and fuel cells, a comparison of hydrogen and kerosene production processes, and an evaluation of the environmental impact of the A320neo in current and future aviation scenarios (2035).
The discussions also highlighted technical advancements in WP4, including interface management, thermal management strategies, and electric motor simulation conditions. Heat propulsion assessments and the project's proposed gearbox concept were reviewed, emphasizing their role in achieving the project's goals.
In WP6, the consortium reviewed developments in surface finishing techniques, such as chemical polishing and the chemical deposition of metallic coatings. Progress was also reported on the out-of-bath approach via 3D printing implementation, a key aspect of the project's materials innovation.
The meeting marked a critical milestone in the exFan project, consolidating progress and ensuring alignment among partners for the next stages of development.
