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Air conditioning systems: ISAE-SUPAERO and Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse join forces

Publication Date

22 January 2024

Closer collaboration

Working together to develop air-conditioning systems for the carbon-free aircraft of the future. Partners for 25 years, ISAE-SUPAERO and Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse strengthened their collaboration on 1 January as part of an industrial chair. This initiative, co-financed by the French National Research Agency (ANR), is designed to stimulate cooperation between public and private research bodies. Called CASTOR, “Chair for Radial Turbomachinery Aerodynamics”, it is scheduled to run for 4 years.

The aim? To make progress on the design of radial turbomachinery stages, which are at the heart of the air systems designed by Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse and in which ISAE-SUPAERO has cutting-edge skills and research infrastructures.

This work will give rise to three theses, two post-doctorates and the creation of a research engineer post, with the support of teams from the Aerodynamics, Energetics and Propulsion (DAEP) department at ISAE-SUPAERO and Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse. A doctoral student and a post-doctoral fellow are due to arrive at the ISAE-SUPAERO site in February. The total amount of €1.250 million, half from Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse and half from the ANR, will be used to finance equipment and subcontracting work.

Developing low-emission air conditioning systems for aircraft

In an aircraft, the air conditioning system regulates the pressurisation, temperature and renewal of the air in the cabin," explains Professor Nicolas Binder from DAEP. In other words, it is essential for passenger safety and comfort. Traditionally, compressed air is drawn from the engines to operate the system. But new carbon-free motorisation systems mean that independent air-conditioning systems have to be designed. To do this, we need to adapt the sizing of the components, which must satisfy new constraints. The research work of the CASTOR Chair is part of this development".

New low-carbon powertrain systems mean that independent air conditioning systems have to be designed. This means adapting the design of components to meet new constraints. The research work of the CASTOR Chair is part of this development.
Nicolas Binder – Lecturer and researcher at DAEP – ISAE-SUPAERO

Radial turbomachines are key components of the air conditioning system manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse. They consist of turbine and compressor stages. In their design, it is crucial to finely optimise the shape of the blades to provide the best energy yields. And this applies regardless of the aircraft’s flight phase. “This requires a high degree of operating flexibility, without compromising performance,” explains Nicolas Binder. This design stage is vital if we are to offer aircraft manufacturers air conditioning systems that consume less energy for future low-emission aircraft.

The researchers will be exploring a number of avenues:

unconventional radial turbine configurations will be calculated and tested, to improve efficiency and operating ranges;
compressor stability will be assessed;
efforts will be devoted to advancing numerical and experimental methods.

The research initiated by the CASTOR Chair opens the way to numerous applications beyond the air transport sector. “A huge number of low-carbon systems involve this type of turbomachinery,” emphasises Nicolas Binder.

A win-win partnership

This Chair represents an opportunity for Liebherr Aerospace Toulouse and ISAE-SUPAERO to intensify their collaboration and structure a joint research programme.

It will enable Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse to mobilise and finance over the long term the cutting-edge skills present in ISAE-SUPAERO’s research laboratories, for the benefit of its future products. Thanks to this collaboration, the company will be able to continue to offer key technologies for the decarbonisation of aviation, with more efficient air systems that consume as little energy as possible for future aircraft.

For ISAE-SUPAERO, it symbolises the recognition of the relevance and applicability of the work of its research teams by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. What’s more, the resulting substantial funding will enable the institute to develop its experimental and digital capabilities.

Air conditioning systems: ISAE-SUPAERO and Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse join forces

Closer collaboration

Developing low-emission air conditioning systems for aircraft

A win-win partnership

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