SubsidieMeestersIonic Propulsion in Atmosphere
This project aims to advance ionic air-breathing propulsion systems through research and development, ultimately designing a stratospheric airship to replace satellites with eco-friendly, cost-effective alternatives.
Projectdetails
Introduction
This project aims to bring ionic air-breathing propulsive systems beyond the pioneeristic phase, exploring their capabilities and improving their performance. Non-thermal plasma for atmospheric propulsion is a subject of recent investigations: model airplanes and vertical lifters have recently flown with this type of propulsion, but the potential of this technology is much higher.
Research Opportunities
Many open aspects in this field deserve to be investigated, including:
- Fundamental research on ion production
- Geometric optimization of electrodes
- Integration of propulsion systems in existing aircraft
Research Program
To this purpose, a complete research program is proposed, starting from breakthroughs in fundamental research to be achieved through theoretical, numerical, and laboratory studies. The following steps will lead to the development of improved and optimized propulsive units, with the objective of designing and building an airship model (technological demonstrator) with ionic propulsion.
Airship Concept
A further objective is the conceptual design of a full-scale stratospheric airship. For this aircraft, the high-risk approach of the project will give rise to different possible choices about propulsion, depending on the results achieved in the first steps. In particular, for this airship concept, at least fully ionic propulsion and combined conventional/ionic propulsion will be considered.
Long-term Impact
A major long-term impact is expected for ion-powered airships, which could act as stratospheric platforms replacing many satellite functions, such as:
- Telecommunications
- Remote sensing
- Disaster risk management in civil protection
These services could be offered at much lower costs, with the benefit of being recoverable systems. A fully successful program may lead to top-level, fully ion-powered airships: thanks to the propulsive units without moving mechanical parts, powered by solar energy, they would have extremely long operation times, low maintenance, and very low pollution levels.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 2.999.993 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 2.999.994 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-11-2023 |
| Einddatum | 31-10-2027 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- POLITECNICO DI MILANOpenvoerder
- ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA
- KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE
- VON KARMAN INSTITUTE FOR FLUID DYNAMICS
- INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DE L'AERONAUTIQUE ET DE L'ESPACE
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
- AERONORD DI ENZO CISARO & C. S.A.S.
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET DRESDEN
- FONDAZIONE POLITECNICO DI MILANO
- UNIVERSITE DE TOULOUSE
Land(en)
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