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Distributed hybrid and electric propulsion systems are one of the most promising technologies to reduce aircraft emissions, resulting in research efforts to investigate new architectures and the design of optimal energy management strategies. This work defines the optimal requirements in terms of battery pack sizing and cell technology for a hybrid-electric regional wing-mounted distributed propulsion aircraft through the application of a design space exploration method. The propulsion system considered in this study is a series-parallel hybrid turboelectric power train with distributed electric fans. A set of six lithium-ion battery cell technologies was identified and experimentally characterized, including both commercially available and prototype cells at different combinations of specific energy and power. A model of the aircraft was developed and used to define the optimal energy management strategy for the hybrid turboelectric propulsion system, which was solved using dynamic programming. The design space exploration was conducted by varying the cell technology and battery storage system size; and the effects on fuel consumption, energy management strategy, and thermal management were compared.
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Automotive Electric Propulsion Systems: A Technology Outlook
Electrification of the transportation industry introduces far-reaching paradigm shifts in sustainability, energy dependency, and manufacturing sectors. The ultimate success of this transition, in part, depends on sustainable development of highly efficient, reliable, and affordable electric propulsion systems. This article provides an overview on the existing practices and future trends in magnetic design, power electronic converter, and control/safety for electric propulsion systems. Efficiency, torque density, cost, noise and vibration, and reliability are used as figures of merit in this study. Our investigation identifies the areas of research with the highest impact and the highest urgency. Although several challenges have been identified, these areas all provide great opportunities for future research in this emerging industry.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2118164
- PAR ID:
- 10537231
- Publisher / Repository:
- IEEE
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification
- ISSN:
- 2372-2088
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1 to 1
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1109/TTE.2023.3321707
