G. Atanasov, J. van Wensveen, F. Peter, T. Zill

The low energy density of electric storage devices is currently the greatest hurdle for all-electric transportation by air. The main consequence of this low energy density is limited flight range. Whereas Lithium-Ion batteries have already reached sufficient energy density levels to be of practical use for automotive applications, the range limitation remains unpractical for air transport. A significant portion of the commercial commuter aircraft flights are operated on distances that could potentially be covered by all-electric aircraft. However, safety regulations prescribe diversion and holding requirements which push battery usage outside the feasible design space. Additionally, the design range of the commuter aircraft is usually much higher than the average range flown, as the range-flexibility allows for more efficient fleet operation and maintenance network setups. Adding a range extender to an aircraft that is capable of all-electric flight could potentially alleviate these issues. The range extender could be used for both providing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) reserves capability and increased operational range, whilst enabling emission-free flight on shorter routes. This paper evaluates such a concept, named E19, through a conceptual aircraft design study based on state-of-the-art technology. The aircraft has a fully electric range of 190km with kerosene and the range extender providing the required IFR reserves and extra range when required. The fully electric range is able to serve roughly 50% of the commuter flights flown in 2018, whereas a stop-over with battery swapping strategy also enables full electric flight over longer distances.

Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2019, Darmstadt

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2022

Conference Paper

englisch

21,0 x 29,7 cm, 30 Seiten

urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022111611135274774926

10.25967/490245

electric flight, local emission free flight, commuter aircraft, range extender, emission reduction

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Atanasov, G.; van Wensveen, J.; et al. (2022): Electric Commuter Transport Concept enabled by Combustion Engine Range Extender. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V.. (Text). https://doi.org/10.25967/490245. urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022111611135274774926.

16.11.2022