Limitations and Challenges in Designing an All-Electric Aircraft: Analytical Study

Abstract

Driven by rapid depletion of non-renewable energy resources, emission reduction of combustion engine exhaust, noise reduction and in-efficiency of combustion engine demand and production of electric vehicle has seen a significant growth in recent years. However, when it comes to electrification of the aircraft technology, there are a number of challenges and technological limitations faced by the designer such as vicious weight cycle, in-sufficient energy density and power constraints in batteries. This paper outlines those challenges in design and manufacturing of a manned electric aircraft. Using MATLAB, a mathematical model of the electric aircraft is created considering parameters like power required, battery capacity, battery weight and total weight of the aircraft. Range and endurance of an electric aircraft for different variations in payload or passenger capacity will be determined. This detailed study will give a picture on what is achievable using current technology (battery energy density, combustion free jet propulsion etc.) and what can be achieved based on the limitations in developing a electric ducted fan engines. This paper also outlines design challenges being faced in combustion free jet propulsion namely electric ducted fan engines which is needed for propelling the electric aircraft. This paper is concluded with design recommendations and parameters to be considered during design process for a fully electric aircraft.