At the AIAA SciTech Forum, Elysian Aircraft, in collaboration with Delft University of Technology, revealed groundbreaking research findings challenging conventional wisdom about the limitations of battery-electric air travel.
The aerospace startup presented two scientific papers, 'A New Perspective on Battery-Electric Aviation, Part I, and II,' authored by Rob Wolleswinkel, Reynard de Vries, Maurice Hoogreef, and Roelof Vos, signaling a paradigm shift in the potential of battery-electric flight.
The first paper re-evaluates assumptions that have led to the prevailing belief in the limited applicability of battery-electric aircraft. It introduces parametric designs for a feasible battery-electric plane accommodating 40-120 passengers with a cruise range of up to 620 miles (1000 kilometers).
The second paper outlines the design of a groundbreaking 90-passenger battery-electric aircraft capable of a 50-mile (800-kilometer) range on battery power alone. This challenges the traditional perception that electric planes are unsuitable for mainstream aviation.
Unveiling the technical concepts
Elysian Aircraft plans to revolutionize electric aviation with a 90-passenger, prop-driven electric plane set to enter service in 2033. The aircraft boasts a range of 50 miles (800 kilometers), with a fossil fuel turbogenerator in its tail cone for recharging the batteries and powering the motors in case of diversions or delays.
The unique design incorporates an unusually wide wingspan of 140 feet (43 meters), allowing for efficient battery placement within the wings and reducing the structural load on the fuselage.
Rob Wolleswinkel, Elysian's co-CEO and chief technology officer, emphasized the advantages of wing-based battery placement: "That means the fuselage itself isn't bearing the extra mass of the batteries."
The company's innovative approach leverages aerodynamic effects, low-wing configuration, and foldable wing ends to accommodate the aircraft at standard airport gates.
Lithium-ion battery technology
Elysian plans to install lithium-ion batteries with energy densities of up to 360 watt-hours per kilogram, consulting with battery manufacturers to meet the demanding specifications.
The company, owned by Panta Holdings, is well-positioned to navigate the challenges, given Panta's investments in battery companies. Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Elysian's chief business officer, mentioned initial plans to manufacture and sell the planes, with potential licensing options in the future.
With the ambitious goal of making electric air travel a reality by 2033, Elysian Aircraft is poised to redefine the limits of battery-electric flight.
The company's systematic and scientific approach has gained support from Joris Melkert, Senior Lecturer of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology, who expressed enthusiasm for Elysian's contribution to discovering the boundaries of battery electric flying.
Elysian Aircraft's launch marks a significant milestone in pursuing sustainable and efficient air travel, according to a Delft University release.
As the company continues to refine its design and collaborate with academic and industry partners, the E9X battery-electric aircraft stands as a beacon of innovation, setting a new standard for zero-emission air travel.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article