The Ultra High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) engine thermal management systems project, UHBR Thermals, is a technology research project addressing oil heat management, a key enabler for next-generation UHBR turbofan aero engines. Next generation UHBR engines will be much more efficient than current engines, and will feature a larger fan driven by a power gearbox; a smaller, hotter engine core; a shorter fan case; and a slimline nacelle. These engine technology changes will result in a much larger oil heat load to be managed with a much smaller volume available to mount the equipment, and an increasing amount of heat will have to be managed using air.
UHBR Thermals will develop new thermal management technologies for UHBR engines, and advanced manufacturing techniques to increase the competitiveness of the UK’s thermal systems supply chain. Supported by investment from the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, UHBR Thermals brings together a team of recognised experts in thermal management design, analysis, and manufacturing, consisting of: Meggitt; S & C Thermofluids; Manufacturing Technology Centre; The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre; the Advanced Forming Centre at the University of Strathclyde; and Cranfield University. UHBR Thermals will be executed over three years from 2017 to 2020, delivering the new capability to the market in time to support the design architecture decision for the next generation engines, which will be delivered to the market in 2025. The UHBR Thermals consortium will be advised by major international turbine aero engine and aircraft manufacturers.