The St. Petersburg enterprise ODK-Klimov has developed a demonstrator of a 500 kW hybrid power unit (HPU) based on the VK-650V engine. The ODK press service showed a diagram of the engine.
The unit combines a gas turbine engine, electric motors, a generator, battery packs, and power electronics.
According to ODK's calculations, the use of a hybrid scheme will increase the resource of the base engine by 20–30%. This is achieved by operating the gas turbine part in more stable modes without peak loads.
An additional effect will be a reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in the overall efficiency of the power plant. The electrical system can take on part of the load, relieving the main engine.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that the HPU would be useful for drones and aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles. Recall that the basic VK-650V surpasses its main competitors — the French Safran Arrius and the Canadian PW207 — in three key criteria: power, weight, and fuel consumption.