FFLECS (Novel Fuel-Flexible ultra-Low Emissions Combustion systems for Sustainable aviation is an RIA action funded by Cluster 5 of the Horizon Europe framework. In FFLECS project, revolutionary combustor architectures will be studied, and, in particular, it will advance (i) the Lean Azimuthal Flame (LEAFinnox), a novel combustion system based on Flameless Oxidation, (ii) the Compact Helically Arranged combustoR (CHAIRlift), a new system which uses interacting lean lifted flames, and (iii) plasma and electric manipulation of the spray and of the flame stabilisation mechanism. The fuel flexibility offered by these novel concepts is key to allow for SAF and H2 operations. FFLECS will include new CFD, low-order, and AI models, and novel stabilisation techniques ripe for commercial exploitation
The project aims to improve airport air quality and support aviation decarbonisation by enabling the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen, which require new gas-turbine combustor technologies. Current combustors cannot meet future limits for NOx and particulates and are not suited to pure hydrogen. The project will explore breakthrough combustor concepts. These flexible technologies can operate with SAFs and hydrogen and support dual-fuel strategies with ultra-low emissions. Experiments and simulations will deliver fundamental and applied insights to reach TRL 3+, backed by advanced CFD, low-order and AI models, and innovative stabilisation methods with commercial potential.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6