Electric Flight Takes Off: Battery and Hydrogen Aircraft Progress

The aviation industry is soaring towards cleaner and more sustainable flight options, with a focus on electric-powered aircraft. While batteries have been a primary choice for some, the quest for alternatives like hydrogen and biofuels is intensifying. Companies like Joby Aviation are exploring the potential of lithium-ion batteries for short-haul flights, while others are venturing into hybrid models combining batteries and hydrogen propulsion. As the industry navigates challenges like weight, range, and power efficiency, the future of electric flight holds promise but also raises critical questions. 

Key Things to Know:

• The aviation industry is rapidly shifting towards electric and hybrid aircraft to achieve cleaner and more sustainable flight options.
• Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from waste is being developed to reduce carbon emissions by over 90%, with partnerships like Boeing and Clear Sky leading the way.
• Hydrogen fuel is seen as a potential game-changer, but challenges with storage and infrastructure remain significant hurdles to its widespread adoption.
• Engineers are tackling high-power electrical system challenges at high altitudes, essential for the future of both electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

What challenges do EV aircraft face with regard to power, what challenges do EV aircraft face with regard to batteries and power, how could hydrogen change this, and where could this technology go?

Electric Aircraft Face Major Hurdles Before Taking to the Skies

The aviation industry has undoubtedly transformed the way we live and work, providing low-cost travel to anywhere on the planet. However, this mass access to air travel comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the environment and the price of tickets. The burning of fossil fuels to power aircraft results in large CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change, and the increasing cost of fuel has risen exponentially in recent years, making air travel more expensive.

Electric aircraft, or EVs, could be the solution to this dilemma, as they do not emit pollutants or greenhouse gases, and their lower operating costs could help to reduce the price of travel. But, for all their benefits, EV aircraft face numerous challenges that prevent their widespread adoption.

Energy Density: A Major Obstacle for Electric Aircraft Adoption

By far, the first major hurdle that EV aircraft face is their energy density compared to fossil fuels. Lithium batteries, the primary source of energy for EVs, are nowhere near as energy-dense as jet fuel, meaning that large batteries are required to give EVs any decent range. This large battery size inevitably increases the weight of the craft, reducing its efficiency and thereby limiting its ability to carry passengers and cargo.

The heavy nature of EVs also makes them inefficient for cargo transportation. Cargo planes are a critical component of the supply chain, and their ability to carry large volumes of goods over vast distances makes them essential for global trade. However, EVs will not be able to provide this same level of service due to their energy density struggles and high weight, meaning that EVs will only be viable for small passenger aircraft.

The high cost of batteries also presents a major challenge for large-scale EVs. While smaller passenger aircraft may be able to afford the luxury of battery power, cargo planes simply cannot afford the large battery sizes needed to give EVs any decent range.

Overall, it is clear that the challenges faced by EVs prevent their use in large-scale aircraft, but developments in technology could make EVs become the norm in passenger vehicles. If the energy density of batteries can be increased, making them lighter and more efficient, EVs could then be used for cargo, too, providing a safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly future for the aviation industry.

The Path Towards Cleaner Flight Options

The aviation industry is on a path towards cleaner and more sustainable flight options with a focus on electric-powered aircraft. While some companies like Joby Aviation are exploring the use of lithium-ion batteries for short-haul flights, others are venturing into hybrid models that combine batteries and hydrogen propulsion. The need for long-distance flight capabilities is driving research into increasing the range and capacity of battery-powered aircraft, with companies like Eviation seeking to transform air travel with their all-electric designs.

Moreover, partnerships aimed at sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, such as Boeing’s collaboration with Clear Sky, highlight the growing emphasis on alternative fuel sources. By focusing on SAF derived from waste, these efforts are not only reducing carbon emissions but also addressing the scalability challenges that electric aviation faces for long-distance flights.

The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Decarbonising Long-Haul Flights

Airbus and Boeing have recently signed deals with startups working on jet fuels derived from waste with the intention of creating fuels that are net-zero. Such fuels are identified by government agencies as being clean despite emitting carbon dioxide into the upper atmosphere. Hydrogen is also being explored as a game-changing fuel for aviation, but its bulky nature and need for cryogenic cooling make it unsuitable for immediate use. 

While hydrogen remains a challenging fuel source, ongoing developments in storage and cooling technology may enhance its feasibility. These advancements, backed by industry-wide research, could position hydrogen as a viable long-term solution for both cargo and passenger aircraft, offering a pathway to further reduce aviation's environmental impact.

Developing SAF technologies through collaborations is crucial to meeting aviation’s decarbonisation targets. Boeing's engagement in advancing waste-to-fuel innovations underlines the potential for creating scalable fuel alternatives. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while aligning with governmental mandates for net-zero emissions.

Engineering Challenges in High-Power Electrical Systems for Aviation

Engineers are also facing significant challenges in operating high-power electrical systems at high altitudes, and the need for high voltages to efficiently power motors is a key consideration for future aircraft designs. For example, the University of Nottingham is working to address these challenges with the development of a modular drive unit for 12-phase motors in a prototype hydrogen powertrain. 

The integration of electric propulsion systems in the aviation industry presents both opportunities and challenges. The development of hybrid models and advancements in battery technology signal a shift towards a greener future for aviation. The path towards cleaner and more sustainable flight options is complex, with industry players exploring various solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the environment.

The Future of Aviation: Hydrogen and Electric Engines

When it comes to hydrogen as an energy source for the aviation industry, building a robust hydrogen infrastructure from production to storage and distribution will be crucial for its widespread adoption. The integration of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production and battery charging could further reduce the carbon footprint of electric aviation.

Developing and harmonising international regulatory and safety standards for electric and hybrid aircraft will be essential to ensure safe and efficient operations. Engineers are eagerly anticipating developments in battery technology as it will enable the design of cleaner and more sustainable aircraft. Hydrogen infrastructure development is also key, as it will enable the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered aircraft, offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

The integration of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production and battery charging is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of electric aviation, and engineers are exploring innovative ways to incorporate renewable energy. Regulatory and safety standards will play a crucial role, as developing and harmonising international standards will ensure safe and efficient operation of electric aviation.

Overall, the future of aviation looks promising, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and safety, and hydrogen is poised to play a significant role.