Advancing Aviation: The Rise of More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and All Electric Aircraft technologies

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In recent years, the aviation industry has been undergoing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. One of the most promising developments in this regard is the emergence of More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and All Electric Aircraft (AEA). These innovative aircraft designs leverage new technologies to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and noise, while also improving performance and reliability. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and challenges associated with MEA and AEA, as well as their potential to shape the future of air travel.

In the realm of global aviation, an era of remarkable growth and innovation is unfolding, promising unprecedented advancements in both technology and sustainability. Over the next few decades, the civil aviation market is poised to expand exponentially, with projections indicating the need for approximately 1300 new international airports and a doubling of the commercial aircraft fleet by 2050. However, this promising trajectory comes with a significant caveat – the aviation industry’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The Environmental Imperative

As the aviation sector continues to thrive, concerns about its environmental impact loom large. Presently, the industry accounts for 2-3 percent of the world’s human-generated carbon dioxide emissions and 12 percent of CO2 emissions from all transportation sources. Without intervention, these numbers are projected to rise dramatically, potentially reaching 11% within the next two decades. To mitigate these environmental challenges and foster sustainable growth, the commercial aviation industry has set an ambitious target: achieving net-zero air transport emissions by 2050.

Enter Electric Aviation

The pursuit of this goal has sparked a wave of disruptive innovation, particularly in aircraft propulsion systems. Electric aviation has emerged as a promising solution, offering the potential to revolutionize the industry’s environmental footprint. More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and All Electric Aircraft (AEA) represent two key pillars of this transformative shift.

In a conventional, large, civilian aircraft there are typically four sources of power derived from the engines: electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical. The electrical system is used to power loads such as the avionics systems, the lighting, and in-flight entertainment. The pneumatic system, taken as an air off-take from the engine, provides for loads such as cabin pressurization and air-conditioning as well as wing ice protection. The mechanical system is used for fuel and oil pumping, mainly local to the engine, and a hydraulic system is used for most of the aircraft actuation systems, both for flight control and auxiliary systems. The total maximum power level of these systems is usually in excess of 1MW, a large power system for a relatively small platform. However, when the aircraft is considered as a whole, it can be shown that efficiency and weight gains should be possible if just one power source is used for all systems.

The Rise of More Electric Aircraft (MEA)

MEA refers to aircraft designs that prioritize electrical power for onboard systems and functions, minimizing reliance on traditional hydraulic and pneumatic systems. These innovations offer numerous advantages, including improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced reliability. Electric propulsion systems, powered by rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, or solar energy, are at the forefront of this technological revolution.

This transition allows for greater efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in aircraft operation. Some key components of MEA include:

1. Electric Propulsion Systems: MEA often feature electric propulsion systems powered by advanced batteries or fuel cells. These systems offer improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and quieter operation compared to traditional jet engines.
2. Electric Actuators: Electric actuators replace hydraulic systems for controlling various aircraft functions such as landing gear, flight control surfaces, and brakes. They are more lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient, contributing to overall fuel savings.
3. Integrated Power Systems: MEA utilize integrated power systems to efficiently manage and distribute electrical power throughout the aircraft. These systems optimize energy usage and reduce the overall weight and complexity of the aircraft.

Recent aircraft programs, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, have integrated batteries to power onboard systems, paving the way for the transition to “more-electric” configurations. This phased approach involves hybrid options combining hydrocarbon fuel and battery power, followed by a transition to fully electric systems. The potential benefits are substantial, including significant reductions in emissions and operating costs, even at the hybrid stage.

Hybrid-electric propulsion systems

Hybrid-electric propulsion systems are emerging as a promising avenue in aviation, offering significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions during critical flight phases, such as take-off and landing. By integrating electric motors and batteries alongside traditional internal combustion engines, these systems provide cleaner propulsion options and serve as backup power sources in emergencies. United Technologies Corporation’s studies indicate substantial noise reduction, fuel efficiency improvements, and cost savings potential, suggesting a transformative impact on both military and commercial aviation sectors.

Various types of hybrid electric propulsion systems are being explored, each offering unique advantages and applications. These range from parallel and series hybrid configurations to distributed and integrated electric propulsion systems, each tailored to different aircraft sizes and mission requirements. While full-electric flight remains a distant goal, the advent of hybrid-electric technologies promises significant efficiency gains and operational enhancements, driving a shift towards more sustainable and adaptable aircraft designs. Additionally, the transition towards More Electric Aircraft (MEA) architectures further underscores the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions, enhancing reliability, and optimizing maintenance practices through advanced prognostics and diagnostics systems.

Advantages of More Electric Aircraft

The adoption of MEA offers several significant advantages for both airlines and passengers:

1. Fuel Efficiency: By reducing the reliance on traditional fuel-powered systems, MEA can achieve significant fuel savings, leading to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.
2. Emissions Reduction: MEA produce fewer emissions compared to conventional aircraft, contributing to efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality.
3. Noise Reduction: Electric propulsion systems and quieter electric actuators result in reduced noise levels during takeoff, landing, and flight, providing a more pleasant experience for passengers and communities near airports.
4. Enhanced Reliability: Electric systems are often more reliable and easier to maintain than traditional mechanical systems, resulting in fewer maintenance issues and increased aircraft availability.

All Electric Aircraft (AEA): A Vision for the Future

While MEA represent a significant step towards greener aviation, researchers and manufacturers are also exploring the concept of All Electric Aircraft (AEA), which eliminate the need for fossil fuels entirely. These revolutionary designs eliminate the need for fossil fuels entirely, relying solely on electric propulsion systems. AEA feature fully electric propulsion systems powered by advanced batteries, fuel cells, or other renewable energy sources. These aircraft promise even greater environmental benefits and have the potential to revolutionize air travel in the long term. AEA promise unparalleled environmental benefits, but their widespread adoption hinges on overcoming significant technological challenges, particularly related to battery technology.

Utilizing electrical power for aircraft propulsion presents a complex challenge compared to conventional jet engines. While electric planes offer increased efficiency, they typically generate less thrust, resulting in slower speeds. Airbus’s E-Fan and Solar Impulse 2 exemplify the limitations of current electric aircraft, with modest speeds achieved due to battery-powered electric motors. Solar-powered planes, while technically impressive, lack the practicality for mass passenger transit, as demonstrated by Solar Impulse’s around-the-world journey. Dr. Peter Wilson highlights the inherent limitations of solar power, underscoring the need for more viable solutions for large-scale electric aircraft propulsion.

Unlike land vehicles, aircraft are highly sensitive to increases in mass, making it challenging to integrate electric propulsion systems. The energy density of current lithium-ion battery packs falls short of aviation fuel by a significant margin, limiting the range and payload capacity of electric aircraft. Cory Combs of Ampaire, Inc., emphasizes the critical importance of weight reduction in electric planes, as heavier battery packs can constrain payload capacity and operational efficiency.

Current lithium-ion batteries, while efficient, lack the energy density required for long-range flights. To make AEA viable, batteries must achieve fourfold increases in energy density, from approximately 250 Wh/kg to 800 Wh/kg. This monumental leap is essential for powering large aircraft over extended distances, replacing traditional jet fuel with clean, renewable energy sources.

Moreover, regulatory requirements, such as the FAA’s mandate for reserve fuel, further complicate the design and operational parameters of electric aircraft, necessitating innovative solutions to address energy storage and weight limitations.

Case Study of All electric Aircraft ; Solar Impulse 2, hailed as a marvel of modern engineering, presents a fusion of innovation and perseverance.

Navigating Technological Challenges with More Electronic technologies

Despite their numerous benefits, MEA and AEA face several challenges, including the development of lightweight and energy-dense batteries, infrastructure limitations for electric charging and refueling, and regulatory hurdles related to certification and safety standards. However, ongoing research and investment in electric propulsion, battery technology, and infrastructure are helping to overcome these obstacles. The challenges facing all-electric aircraft are multifaceted, with battery technology presenting a significant hurdle.

The step-change in technology for commercial flight of civilian aircraft using just electrical energy will require a step change in technology in many areas. This includes the storage of electrical energy where there will need to be significant improvements in rechargeable battery or fuel-cell techniques in order to store enough energy for a long range flight. The equipment used for propulsion will also need to be small, lighter and more efficient than anything available today.

Distributed propulsion systems, featuring multiple electric motors distributed along the aircraft, offer further efficiency gains by minimizing drag and enhancing aerodynamic performance. These innovations, alongside advancements in materials science and aerodynamic design, are poised to reshape the future of electric aviation.

Batteries are a crucial component in the quest for all-electric aviation, but their current energy density falls far short of what’s needed for large aircraft to fly long distances.

Developing lightweight batteries capable of storing sufficient electricity for long-distance flights remains a paramount concern. Current battery technology falls short in terms of energy density, reliability, and lifespan, necessitating advancements to achieve the power-to-weight ratios required for feasible electric aviation. Short-range electric commuter aircraft, for example, demand energy densities between 750 and 2,000Wh/kg, a fraction of kerosene-based jet fuel’s energy content. Achieving the necessary reduction in battery weight for larger aircraft requires substantial technological innovation, with historical improvements in battery energy suggesting a potential timeframe around mid-century for fully electric commuter aircraft.

While lithium-ion batteries currently offer around 1,000,000 joules of energy per kilogram, aviation fuel boasts a significantly higher energy density of 43m joules per kilogram. To make all-electric aviation feasible, batteries would need to increase their energy density at least fourfold, from today’s 250 watt-hours per kilogram to 800 watt-hours per kilogram. This advancement could enable all-electric aircraft capable of carrying 150 passengers up to 600 nautical miles, potentially replacing a significant portion of global aircraft departures.

As the aviation industry moves towards More Electric Aircraft (MEA) concepts, the demand on the electrical system increases substantially. Future aircraft will feature higher demands on engines for thrust and power generation, resulting in hotter fluids, higher component temperatures, and increased heat generation, necessitating critical thermal management solutions. Emerging standards for electrical systems include higher voltage systems to reduce current and cable weight. Additionally, advancements in material sciences have led to higher turbine entry temperatures in aircraft engines, posing further challenges for thermal management systems. Designing optimal thermal management architectures will be essential for effectively dissipating excess heat and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of future civil engines.

The disparity between the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, currently the state-of-the-art technology for aviation, and jet fuel underscores the magnitude of the challenge. While batteries offer around 150 to 170 Wh/kg, jet fuel boasts nearly 12,000 Wh/kg, illustrating the substantial gap in energy storage capacity. Industry experts project that batteries suitable for all-electric larger aircraft may not be available for another 15 to 20 years, with full integration extending beyond that. In the interim, hybrid-powered solutions may offer a viable pathway, providing reduced emissions and facilitating the development of high-power electric propulsion systems. Thermal management presents another significant challenge, with the need for practical cooling systems capable of handling substantial heat loads during flight, requiring advancements in materials and cooling technology to ensure efficient operation of high-power electronics.

Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts across industry, academia, and government sectors. Research and development initiatives are underway to enhance battery technology, optimize thermal management systems, and explore innovative propulsion architectures. Hybrid-electric propulsion systems, combining internal combustion engines with electric motors, offer an interim solution, delivering significant fuel savings and emissions reductions.

Despite these challenges, exciting advancements are fueling the electric aircraft revolution:

• High-Density Batteries: Researchers are constantly developing new battery chemistries and designs that can store more energy in less space.
• Supercapacitors: These devices can store and release energy rapidly, potentially aiding battery performance during takeoff and landing.
• Lightweight Materials: Advancements in materials science are leading to lighter aircraft structures, further improving efficiency.
• Advanced Electric Motors: More powerful and efficient electric motors are being developed to optimize electric propulsion systems.

Battery Technology Breakthroughs:

• Solid-State Batteries: A promising development is the emergence of solid-state batteries. These offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries:

  • Higher Energy Density: They can potentially store significantly more energy in the same volume, increasing electric aircraft range.
  • Faster Charging Times: Solid-state batteries could potentially recharge much faster, reducing turnaround times for electric planes.
  • Improved Safety: They are considered safer due to the absence of flammable liquid electrolytes present in lithium-ion batteries.

• Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Another area of active research is lithium-sulfur batteries. These offer even higher theoretical energy density than lithium-ion, but challenges remain in terms of cyclability (lifespan) and achieving stable operation.

Material Science Advancements:

• Composite Materials: The use of advanced composite materials like carbon fiber is crucial for building lighter aircraft structures. This not only improves overall efficiency but also allows for carrying more batteries without compromising range.
• 3D Printing: Additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing are being explored to create complex, lightweight aircraft components with optimized designs for electric propulsion systems.

Other Emerging Technologies:

• Wireless Charging: Concepts for wireless charging of electric aircraft on the ground are being explored. This could significantly improve operational efficiency and eliminate the need for extensive ground charging infrastructure.
• Hybrid-Electric Architectures: Some companies are exploring hybrid-electric configurations that combine electric motors with traditional jet engines. This approach could offer a bridge between MEAs and fully electric aircraft, providing longer range while reducing emissions.

By incorporating these exciting advancements, the dream of electric aircraft with significant range, faster charging times, and improved safety is becoming increasingly closer to reality. This will pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future of aviation.

Distributed propulsion presents a promising avenue for advancing aircraft efficiency and performance.

By dispersing multiple smaller propellers or engine fans across the aircraft, researchers aim to mitigate drag and increase overall efficiency. Traditional aircraft configurations rely on a few large engines, but distributing propulsion systems strategically can effectively minimize the boundary layer, reducing drag and improving speed or energy efficiency. DARPA’s LightningStrike project exemplifies this approach, featuring 26 hybrid-electric propulsion fans distributed throughout the aircraft. This concept not only enhances engine efficiency but also minimizes wing drag, ultimately improving aircraft performance and capabilities.

A crucial aspect of this design evolution lies in reimagining the energy supply system. While current aircraft wings are optimized to accommodate distributed jet fuel, transitioning to batteries could offer unexpected benefits. Unlike liquid fuel, batteries maintain a fixed mass throughout flight, potentially enabling aeroelastic tailoring of the wings. This adjustment could lead to more aerodynamically efficient wings, characterized by increased length and reduced thickness, without succumbing to flutter, a phenomenon that can compromise wing integrity. Moreover, the shift to electrical systems opens the door to distributed propulsion, enabling novel aircraft configurations that promise further advancements in efficiency and performance.

However, alongside these technological advancements, significant considerations must be given to infrastructure and operational aspects. Establishing robust maintenance and support systems, including spare battery capacity and recharging infrastructure, will be vital for the widespread adoption of electric aircraft. Additionally, the potential proliferation of quieter, zero-emission aircraft may prompt discussions about the need for expanded runway infrastructure to accommodate increased connectivity between major cities, highlighting the broader implications of this transformative technology on aviation infrastructure and operations.

For more information about the technology and applications of Electric Aircraft please visit: Electric Skies: How Electric Airplanes are Revolutionizing the Future of Air Travel

Electric Motor Innovations:

• High-Temperature Superconducting Motors: These motors offer superior efficiency at high temperatures, potentially leading to significant improvements in electric aircraft performance. However, challenges remain in terms of cost and the need for cryogenic cooling systems.
• Ultra-Efficient Permanent Magnet Motors: Researchers are developing permanent magnet motors with improved efficiency and power density specifically tailored for electric aircraft propulsion needs.

Bye Aerospace’s electric Sun Flyer 2 recently completed its inaugural flight test featuring a Siemens electric propulsion motor, marking a significant step in advancing electric aviation. Designed for flight training and general aviation markets, the Sun Flyer series aims to be the first FAA-certified, practical, all-electric aircraft. Siemens’ electric propulsion system, including the SP70D motor, offers a clean, cost-effective, and silent alternative without compromising performance or safety. With a peak rating of 90 kW (120 HP) and a continuous power setting of up to 70 kW (94 HP), Siemens has a proven track record in electric motor technology, powering aircraft to set speed and climb records. Bye Aerospace is concurrently developing advanced solar-electric unmanned aerial vehicles alongside the Sun Flyer family, reflecting a commitment to innovative electric aviation solutions.

Power electronics stands as a crucial technology in enabling electric aircraft, facilitating the conversion and control of electrical energy essential for the realization of More Electric Aircraft benefits.

Despite its significance, aerospace applications pose challenging conditions for power electronics, necessitating improvements in weight, volume, cost, and reliability of power converters and associated systems.

Replacing hydraulic actuators with electrically powered ones often involves Electro-Mechanical Actuators (EMAs), allowing control surfaces to be managed by controlling the motor that moves a ball-screw. However, ensuring the ball-screw’s non-jamming operation remains a challenge, particularly for primary flight control applications on large aircraft. A jammed actuator could lead to significant control issues, emphasizing the need for benign failure modes in aircraft design.

Addressing energy storage challenges requires meeting stringent weight targets for power converters and electrical machines used in future aircraft propulsion. Technologies such as integrating electrical machines, mechanical systems, and power electronic converters, along with advancements in materials like new thermal, magnetic, and structural techniques, are crucial for achieving the necessary power densities. Additionally, the utilization of higher-speed machines with emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors like SiC and GaN holds promise for system-level benefits.

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To address these challenges, concerted efforts are underway to enhance powertrain efficiency and reliability. Rolls-Royce’s development of the Embedded Electrical Starter Generator for the Tempest fighter jet exemplifies advancements in compact, high-power electrical systems. Similarly, NASA’s collaborations with industry partners aim to revolutionize aircraft propulsion through advancements in power extraction, thermal management, and integrated megawatt-class powertrain systems.

NASA has partnered with industry leaders to revolutionize aircraft propulsion, targeting key challenges such as weight reduction, enhanced power extraction and storage, and improved thermal management. Collaborating with industry partners, NASA aims to develop more efficient aircraft engines, particularly focusing on turboprops, regional jets, and single-aisle aircraft serving various market segments. These efforts include advancing Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) systems, which replace or augment traditional fuel-burning propulsion with electric systems, mirroring the shift toward electric or hybrid motors in automobiles.

Through projects like Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC), NASA is pursuing next-generation aircraft engines that optimize fuel consumption and power output by increasing the bypass ratio. This involves enlarging the fan to enhance airflow while reducing the engine core size. NASA is also partnering with companies like Honeywell and GE to develop advanced turbine technology and assess turbofan power extraction for future electric propulsion systems. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance power extraction while improving thrust, efficiency, operability, and durability.

By leveraging these innovations, NASA seeks to introduce cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective aircraft in the coming years. The agency emphasizes the importance of demonstrating these advancements in flight to pave the way for their integration into commercial aircraft. Through collaboration and technological innovation, NASA aims to transform the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation, offering promising solutions for the future of flight.

Commercial aircraft OEMs have been transitioning towards more-electric aircraft (MEA), relying on electric power for various non-propulsion systems to enhance efficiency, reduce weight, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs. Parker Aerospace Gas Turbine Fuel Systems Division (GTFSD) is pioneering the development of electric motor-driven smart pumps, capable of adjusting motor speed and flow to meet specific system demands efficiently. These pumps, integrated with electronic controllers, optimize energy usage, resulting in reduced fuel burn and emissions.

One notable application of Parker Aerospace’s technology is the auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel metering unit for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which replaces conventional engine fuel control. This unit incorporates electric motor-driven smart pumps, leveraging GTFSD’s expertise in electric pumps for various applications, including military UAVs and transport turbine engines. Additionally, these smart pumps are adaptable for alternative propulsion systems, such as hybrid gas turbines, enabling flexible power delivery and further fuel savings.

Moreover, the emergence of electric motor-driven smart pumps exemplifies the shift towards more-electric aircraft architectures. By optimizing energy utilization and enhancing system responsiveness, these innovations contribute to reduced fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs. Collaborations between OEMs and suppliers further drive the adoption of electric propulsion systems, paving the way for cleaner, more efficient aircraft designs.

The successful integration of Siemens electric propulsion systems in aircraft like Bye Aerospace’s Sun Flyer heralds a new era of electric aviation. Offering a blend of clean, cost-effective, and silent propulsion, electric motors promise to revolutionize flight training and general aviation markets. As advancements in electric propulsion technology continue to accelerate, the vision of sustainable, electric-powered flight inches closer to reality, reshaping the future of aviation for generations to come.

Military Applications and Beyond

The benefits of electric aviation extend beyond the commercial sector, with military organizations also exploring MEA concepts to enhance aircraft performance and survivability. Hybrid-electric propulsion systems offer significant weight savings and operational flexibility, while distributed propulsion architectures enhance maneuverability and efficiency.

Military aircraft are increasingly integrating More Electric Architecture (MEA) concepts to enhance performance and reduce dependency on traditional fuel-based systems. Examples like the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), C-141 transport aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as Condor, Global Hawk, and Dark Star demonstrate the adoption of MEA technology. By transitioning from hydraulic systems to MEA, aircraft can achieve significant weight savings, allowing for more efficient redistribution of weight towards passengers, fuel, or mission payloads. This shift not only improves aircraft maneuverability and survivability but also offers potential cost savings for both military and commercial aviation sectors. Moreover, MEA technology enhances operational capabilities by reducing vulnerability to enemy fire, making it a strategic asset in modern warfare scenarios.

In response to the increasing demand for power to support energy-intensive electronics and radars, military aircraft are embracing a “more electric” approach. This trend, highlighted by experts like Richard “Pat” Anderson, emphasizes the importance of reducing fuel dependency while enhancing mission flexibility. Unmanned aerial surveillance aircraft, for instance, are exploring innovative flight profiles by transitioning between gas engines for transit and quieter battery-powered modes for stealth operations or extended range. This shift not only enhances operational capabilities but also aligns with broader objectives of reducing logistical burdens and improving overall mission effectiveness. As the military continues to prioritize innovation and technological advancement, the adoption of MEA concepts is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerial warfare.

Over the past five years, Rolls-Royce has spearheaded the development of pioneering engine technology for the Tempest fighter jet program, aiming to enhance its electrical capabilities, intelligence, and power output. Recognizing the evolving demands of future fighter aircraft, the company embarked on a quest to meet new levels of electrical power demand and thermal load. Ahead of the Tempest program’s launch, Rolls-Royce initiated efforts to tackle these challenges, beginning with the design of an innovative electrical starter generator nestled within the core of a gas turbine engine. This groundbreaking system, known as the Embedded Electrical Starter Generator (E2SG) demonstrator program, represents a paradigm shift in engine design and electrical power management.

According to Conrad Banks, the chief engineer for future programs at Rolls-Royce, the embedded electrical starter-generator promises to revolutionize aircraft power systems by saving space and delivering the substantial electrical power required for future fighters. Unlike conventional aircraft engines that generate power through external gearboxes driving generators, the E2SG integrates seamlessly within the engine core. This eliminates the need for bulky external components, such as gearboxes and generators, which not only add complexity and moving parts but also enlarge the airframe, a drawback particularly undesirable for stealthy platforms. By embedding the starter-generator directly into the engine, Rolls-Royce aims to streamline aircraft design, optimize space utilization, and ensure optimal performance in next-generation fighter aircraft.

Recent Breakthroughs

IHI Corporation, listed on the Tokyo stock exchange, has unveiled a groundbreaking development in aircraft propulsion technology—the world’s first one-megawatt-class electric motor integrated within a jet engine’s tail cone. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the More Electric Architecture for Aircraft and Propulsion (MEAAP) project, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in aircraft systems.

Under the auspices of Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, IHI’s research into advanced electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems has yielded this innovative engine-embedded electric motor. This technology is poised to power aircraft and play a crucial role in the advancement of hybrid electric propulsion systems, aligning with global efforts towards sustainable aviation.

Amidst the aviation industry’s expansion and the imperative to achieve virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions from passenger jets by 2050, IHI’s initiative emerges as a timely endeavor. The MEAAP project not only prioritizes electrification but also endeavors to enhance fuel efficiency through innovative cooling methods, potentially eliminating conventional systems, reducing weight, and improving maintainability.

Building upon previous achievements, such as the development of a 250-kilowatt-class engine-embedded electric motor in March 2020, IHI has made significant strides. Leveraging technologies like high-density molded coil and exhaust heat systems, the company has successfully engineered a motor surpassing one megawatt of power, with scalable output capabilities.

Validation of the new motor’s performance was conducted at the Evaluation Laboratory for Next Generation Motors of the Akita University Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture, Japan’s largest facility dedicated to such research. Looking ahead, IHI is committed to furthering the development of hybrid electric propulsion systems and aims to demonstrate the engine-embedded electric motor’s capabilities within the middle of the decade, marking a pivotal step towards greener aviation technologies.

Looking Ahead

As the aviation industry charts a course towards electrification, the path forward is rife with possibilities and challenges. While significant technological hurdles remain, the momentum towards electric aviation is undeniable. With continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, the vision of sustainable skies powered by electric aircraft may soon become a reality, ushering in a new era of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air travel for generations to come.

Looking ahead, MEA and AEA are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of aviation, offering a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternative to traditional aircraft. As technology continues to advance and adoption rates increase, we can expect to see more electric aircraft taking to the skies, ushering in a new era of environmentally friendly air travel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References and resources also include:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/inside-first-solar-powered-flight-around-world-180968000/?fbclid=IwAR0jqBs8jjAPuZdWHygBdJuei66OHapyFb0MshRWapdNw7P0c93HE-CSIXI

https://www.adsadvance.co.uk/electrification-of-future-flight.html