In this collaborative, cross-functional project, I worked with a team of engineers from diverse departments and geographical locations to tackle the challenge of transitioning to renewable energy in aviation. We developed a project proposal for converting the ATR 72-600 into an electric aircraft, aiming to integrate it into the worldwide fleet by 2050. This initiative significantly reduces the dependence on fossil fuels in air travel.
I assumed an active role in the team, contributing to task distribution, technical bid writing, and presentation delivery to a panel of experts and competing teams. Comprehensive research was undertaken to understand the specific battery requirements for air travel, feasible charging methods, necessary energy density, and the improvements seen over the last decade, particularly the advent of Lithium-Air batteries.
Introduction:
Despite fuel efficiency improvements for fossil fuel powered aircraft, it has recently been estimated that by 2050, 43 Gt of carbon pollution could come from aircraft if a ‘business as usual’ scenario were adopted. The combustion of hydrocarbons in aviation fuel also leads to the emission of harmful oxides and particulates. Electric power sources have been used in aircraft since 1973, though this was for a motor glider carrying 2 people for 12 minutes. Modern attempts at building electric aircraft have successfully increased flight time but load-carrying capacity and turn-around times remain problematic.
Task:
Your company has been tasked to come up with a proposal for implementing a commercial electrical or hybrid aircraft design into the worldwide fleet by 2050, with the aim of reducing the dependence on fossil fuels for air travel. Your proposal should consider which sector of the air travel market would be most suitable to launch your product and include an estimate of research, manufacturing and operating costs. You should also have an implementation plan for introducing your designed aircraft and phasing out the existing conventional fleet.
Considerations:
Technology: Devise a design that balances power source choices, power density, and flight dynamics, potentially exploring novel materials and approaches.
Infrastructure: Plan for infrastructure modifications to ensure refuelling availability and consider turnaround times and airport capacity.
Market Factors: Evaluate critical market dynamics, including potential impacts on the number of serviceable aircraft, flight range, route options, and passenger capacity.
Safety: Ensure power sources align with UK commercial aircraft safety standards.
Cost Proposal: Present a comprehensive cost evaluation, potentially identifying a need for governmental subsidies or operator incentives.
Sustainability: Conduct a full life cycle analysis of your materials, considering the use of recycled and recyclable materials.
Deliverables for this project included a comprehensive technical bid report and a group presentation to several academics including members from the relevant industries. Below is the technical bid report produced: