Experimental Facilities & Infrastructure Department

Icon Experimental Facilities, Infrastructure

Research into new generations of aircraft propulsion systems and their associated theoretical models are not yet mature enough to enable highly accurate predictions. The validation of newly developed theoretical models and the assessment of uncertainties can only be correctly quantified through experimental tests. The Test Facilities department, together with the associated infrastructure, is responsible for setting up, operating and continuously adapting the test benches for investigating innovative, usually hybrid-electric propulsion systems for aviation.

Fields of activity

Carrying out research work in the field of alternative drive systems and developing and operating test bench complexes

  • Development of test concepts for novel hybrid-electric propulsion systems for aviation to ensure the safe operation of their individual components and the overall system in the area of safety requirements, including electromagnetic compatibility and high voltage, and in the area of realistic altitude conditions and component tests
  • Validation and quantification of new theoretical models developed at the institute as well as the evaluation of uncertainties through experimental tests
  • Development and implementation of new test bench concepts
  • Concept development for the design and construction of test facilities and the future implementation of test series, including the associated safety requirements for the drive/energy storage/cell
  • Concept development for test facilities with fuel cells
  • Supporting the development of an internal DLR test bench network for propulsion research to link virtual digital twins with experimental test bench measurement results

Project management on behalf of industry and research institutions

  • Development of the scientific objectives of the project with customers and scientific research partners of the institute with regard to feasibility in the plants
  • Development of concepts as to how the scientific objective of the project can be achieved, taking into account aspects such as Model concept and its suitability, test and measurement technology
  • Evaluation of the results during the ongoing test, taking into account the influences of the experimental set-up and, if necessary, interpretation of accompanying simulations and theoretical comparisons
  • Documentation of the project and its results for scientific follow-up, e.g. reporting according to customer requirements, documentation, project meetings to incorporate experience gained into future projects, presentation of project results to customers and at scientific conferences

Research infrastructure

The DLR Institute of Electrified Aero Engines is planning to set up a large number of test benches, the HepCo Test Facilities, in a 13,300 square meter hall on the grounds of the Technology and Innovation Park (TIP) in Cottbus.