Electrified aircraft trade-space exploration

Michael Kruger, Saakar Byahut, Alejandra Uranga, Aidan Dowdle, Jonas Gonzalez, David K. Hall

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

This work presents a design space exploration for electrified aircraft that use electrical components for propulsion, and identifies configurations and missions for which electrification can provide an energy-usage advantage relative to hydrocarbon-based propulsion. A framework was developed to capture the major trade-offs of electrification at cruise condition, as well as the effects of distributed propulsion and boundary layer ingestion. The analysis is based on a parametric exploration of the trade-space with focus on mission size (payload and range) and technology level. It considers aircraft classes ranging from a 20-passenger thin-haul up to a twin-aisle intercontinental transport. All-electric aircraft are found to be best at low ranges (200–500 nmi), requiring the lowest amount of on-board energy but with a limited feasibility region. Turbo-electric architectures can be beneficial even with current technology, and are best for long missions. Adding a turbo-generator to an electric aircraft, for a hybrid-electric propulsion system, acts as a range extender and is optimal for intermediate-size missions. Finally, leveraging distributed propulsion and boundary layer ingestion improves energy efficiency and expands the range of feasible missions for highly electrified aircraft.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105562
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event18th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2018 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2018Jun 29 2018

Publication series

Name2018 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference

Conference

Conference18th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period6/25/186/29/18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Energy
  • Aerospace Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electrified aircraft trade-space exploration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this