{"id":9174,"date":"2014-08-15T12:14:01","date_gmt":"2014-08-15T19:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/?p=9174"},"modified":"2014-08-25T07:15:07","modified_gmt":"2014-08-25T14:15:07","slug":"eas-viii-pipistrels-certifiable-hybrid-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/eas-viii-pipistrels-certifiable-hybrid-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"EAS VIII: Pipistrel\u2019s Certifiable Hybrid Aircraft"},"content":{"rendered":"

No hype, Pipistrel\u2019s Hypstair <\/a>(hipster) was introduced by Tine Tomazic and Gregor Veble at this year\u2019s Electric Aircraft Symposium.\u00a0 The attempt to bring the world\u2019s first certified hybrid aircraft to market is a joint venture by Pipistrel with partners Siemens, the University of Maribor, the University of Pisa and MB Vision, a specialist in providing visual information.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Hypstair<\/a>

Hypstair will integrate batteries and power train into a modified Panthera airframe<\/p><\/div>\n

Siemens, as might be imagined, is providing an \u201cultra-light weight integrated drive train\u201d for the aircraft,\u201d\u00a0 Slovenia\u2019s University of Maribor the HIL (hardware in the loop) evaluation for electric motor control testing and dynamic emulation of mechanical loads, Italy\u2019s University of Pisa for evaluation of hybrid technology advantages, and MB Vision<\/a> for development and integration of the aircraft\u2019s interior and human machine interfaces that will make the information presented to the pilot ideally selected and intuitively perceived.<\/p>\n

\"Wing-mounted<\/a>

Wing-mounted batteries follow spar to distribute load of 12 serial\/5 parallel modules<\/p><\/div>\n

Far removed from the days when homebuilt aircraft advocates drew a chalk outline of the steel tubing they would weld together on the garage floor, the developing discipline of mechantronics<\/em> stives to unite\u00a0mechanical,\u00a0electrical,\u00a0telecommunications,\u00a0control\u00a0and\u00a0computer engineering to produce integrated products that function at high levels.\u00a0 Such an approach will lead to aircraft that perform at the best possible levels, and a piloting experience intended to meld the pilot and the airplane in a thoroughly new and different way.<\/p>\n

\"HMI<\/a>

HMI design will lead to standardized cockpit environments, lower workloads for pilots<\/p><\/div>\n

Tine and Gregor focused on the hybrid propulsion system for Hypstair, a serial hybrid drive that would lead to much quieter aircraft with greater fuel efficiency.\u00a0 Hypstair will allow validation of components, many already integrated into the airframe.\u00a0 The power system will swing a low-RPM, five-bladed propeller, ensuring low noise.\u00a0 To make sure the internal combustion engine, electric motor, controller and batteries stay within safe operating ranges, the sleek cowling has three openings, each tuned to its respective need.\u00a0 A dedicated battery management system (BMS) will actively balance cells in the battery pack, maintaining optimum performance at all times.<\/p>\n

\"Intuitive<\/a>

Intuitive perception and response to graphics will make flying easier and safer<\/p><\/div>\n

The airplane\u2019s human-machine interface (HMI) will enable a pilot to \u201cfully utilize the benefits\u201d of the on-board systems, while adding to the safety of operation.\u00a0 Tine Tomazic is leader of the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) team creating standards for such interfaces.\u00a0 He noted that \u201cNobody likes to contribute to standards \u2013 but likes it when they\u2019re done.\u201d\u00a0 This HMI will be a first for hybrid aircraft, and is being designed \u201cTo elevate safety and improve user experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Color and perception play a big part in the visual ergonomics and pilot recognition of different situations, both safe and of concern.\u00a0 Good design here can add to the safety of operation and lower the pilot\u2019s workload.\u00a0 Hard-to-read avionics can increase the workload, lead to high cognitive stress, and even a hostile cockpit environment.\u00a0 Tine is working to replace the glut of text and numbers in displays with standardized icons and to introduce a common layer of infographics<\/i>.<\/p>\n

\"On<\/a>

On a fast track for a complex project, Hypstair could be a seminal aviation event soon<\/p><\/div>\n

Couple the perceptual simplicity of the cockpit with true single-lever power control of the total power train with protections for the engine, motor and batteries, and the pilot can concentrate on flying the airplane. The position of the power handle will directly correspond to the airplane\u2019s power output, an intuitive signal to the pilot. High power depends on the battery charge status, for instance, and the system will reduce the rate of power after a set time to reduce high discharge rates, although the pilot can enable overboost to overcome potentially dangerous situations.<\/p>\n

With significant advances in structure, powerplant design, ergonomics and human factors, the Hypstair will be more than just a speedy, great-looking airplane.\u00a0 It may mark the beginning of new ways of integrating the aircraft, pilot and systems into a new and unified whole.<\/p>\n

As for a question about the electric version of the Alpha Trainer announced at last year\u2019s EAS, Tine left the audience with a twist of wry: \u201cDevelopment goes at the speed of cash.\u201d<\/p>\n

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