Analyzing the Technological Future and Market Demand of Electric and Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Asmita Saha (1), Somdat Kissoon (2), Andrew M Singh (3), (1) JFKR Aviation and Aeronautics Academy, (2) NYCCT of CUNY & JFKR Aviation and Aeronautics Academy, (3) York College of CUNY, Geology Discipline, Jamaica, NY, & JFKR Aviation and Aeronautics Academy
Cfa, E. J. H. H. (2019, September 10). Green for takeoff: Inside the electric airplane industry. Toptal Finance Blog. https://www.toptal.com/finance/market-research-analysts/electric-airplanes
Electric airplanes (batteries included). (n.d.). https://science.nasa.gov/aeronautics/green-aviation-tech/electric-airplanes-batteries-included/
Garrison, P. (2013, November 16). The electric airplane. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/the-electric-airplane-34986164/
REFERENCES
An enormous thanks to The Port Authority of NY & NJ, A New JFK, York College, Delta, American Airlines, JFK Millennium Partners and The New Terminal JFK International Airport, whose research grants made this STEM project possible.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Electric aviation serves to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, and noise pollution. However, for an electric aircraft to be truly made sustainable, the power source must be affordable and generated by renewable energy resources. Grid electricity and solar energy are alternatives that can make electric aircraft fully sustainable. Electric aviation can provide flight that produces zero direct carbon emissions. This improves the sustainability of aviation as a whole.
There are considerations to make when utilizing electric aircraft. From initial manufacturing impacts from electricity sourcing concerns, it is imperative to manufacture long-term aircraft to reach a break-even point for emissions as to make it emissions completely net-zero.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Media or Graph
New technological developments have been made to decarbonize the aviation industry. From sustainable aviation fuel to efficient infrastructure, electric and hybrid aviation vehicles have stood out from the rest. Electric flight marks a step towards the right direction, and the acceptance of alternative propulsion.
Certain small battery-powered planes already exist, but electric propulsion for large passenger aircraft require new innovation.
BACKGROUND
The largest fully electric concept plane is the Elysian E9X, developed by Dutch company Elysian. It can seat up to 90 passengers. The Elysian is completely battery powered, and utilizes batteries to power flight. Current electric aircraft include commercial air taxis and unmanned aircraft for weather monitoring and surveillance. Battery power is used to drive electric motors, which propel the aircraft. Rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion batteries, are charged before every flight, can can also be charged using solar power and grid electricity. Hybrid-electric aircraft use fossil fuels to power batteries. Long-distance electrically propelled aircraft must be hybrids.
CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES
In 2023, jet or aviation turbine fuel constituted as much as a third of all total airline spending. Electric aircraft, whether through batteries, electric propulsion, or solar, drive the cost of fuel for an airliner down, increasing profit margins. It can also relieve pressures on airports, reducing fuel transportation costs and help to reach the Port Authority goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Current electric aviation innovations have smaller flight ranges in comparison to fossil-fuel aircraft. These aircraft can cater to direct smaller regional market flights, especially across the East Coast.
COST REDUCTION & MARKET DEMAND
In 1885, the La France was the first aircraft to achieve electric flight with an 8-horsepower electric motor. However, the current electric aviation model is built on the work of Robert Boucher, who pioneered electric motors in model aircraft as well as solar-powered aircraft with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The Solar Challenger was the first of its kind. In the 1970s, practice electric aircraft was developed. Now, many electric aircraft models have been invented, and many are currently in development thanks to private and government-backed initiatives.
HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT
Hybrid-Electric Plane Concept
The Elysian E9X
Energy Efficiency of EVTOL Aircraft (Sripad, et al.)
A motor of an electric rotor is spun by electromagnetic forces, and then with switching of high-voltage currents. Advancements in electric motors are key to making long-term electric aviation viable. Current obstacles also lie in battery storage and energy density as a source to power electric motors. High-power, high-torque, lightweight electric motors are the way to transform conventional aircraft.
New developments must also be made in charging capabilities in airports. Utilities would need to upgrade transformers, lines, voltage regulators as well as protection equipment.
Existing battery technology is both too heavy and not efficient enough to store electricity for long distance flying. Electric aircraft startups are utilizing ducted fans and propellers to produce thrust.
Electric airplanes are no doubt the future of aviation. Future electric innovations in aviation can lower operation cost, unleash smaller regional travel, and reduce carbon emissions well beyond current standards.
Though it is clear that further development in cost, weight, and range is necessary, further investment in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft research and development can mitigate these issues.
CONCLUSION
Electric Propulsion Model