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.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Electric Commuter Transport Concept enabled by Combustion Engine Range Extender


    Contributors:
    Atanasov, G. (author) / van Wensveen, J. (author) / Peter, F. (author) / Zill, T. (author)

    Publication date :

    2021


    Size :

    30 pages



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Mobile electric automobile hydrogen combustion range extender

    JIN YUANHONG / CHENG BO | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Modular electric vehicle hydrogen combustion range extender

    JIN YUANHONG | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    Concept Study of Range Extender Applications in Electric Scooters

    Winkler, Franz / Schacht, Hans-Jürgen / Kirchberger, Roland et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 2011


    Range extender engine of A00-level electric car

    XU ZHONGSI / GAO LIXIN / NI SHAOYONG et al. | European Patent Office | 2016

    Free access

    RexMoto-A Range Extender Concept for Light Electric Aircraft

    Glassock, Richard / Madonna, Vincenzo / Giangrande, Paolo et al. | IEEE | 2020