A new INSIGHT paper from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) sets out the battery performance requirements for next generation aerospace applications.
In aerospace, batteries will be utilised across a broad range of applications including a new generation of ultra-efficient aircraft, hybrid engines and short-range fully electric flight, each with their own unique requirements.
No single battery type can meet these diverse needs and INSIGHT: Aerospace Battery Requirements explores the unique demands of each application across specific energy, C-rate and cycle life, including ambitious applications which would require capability breakthroughs.
Jacqueline Castle, Chief Technology Officer, ATI, said: “Aerospace presents a unique set of performance, safety and certification requirements for batteries across a range of applications including more-electric aircraft systems, hybrid propulsion and zero-carbon emission aircraft.
“Meeting these wide-ranging requirements can only be achieved through collaborative innovation and we invite the battery and aerospace sectors to engage with the ATI as we work to boost UK competitiveness.”
Building on the UK aerospace technology strategy Engineering Growth published in May, the paper highlights the role batteries are expected to play in reducing fuel consumption, avoiding emissions and reducing operating cost. For regional and single aisle aircraft batteries support the use of more electric aircraft systems, electric taxi, engine hybridisation. In the longer term, batteries could provide eAPU and an increasing proportion of propulsive load.
The challenges for battery technologies to meet these requirements in the necessary timeframes remain considerable. Developing aerospace-grade battery supply chains capable of delivering certifiable products in relatively low production volumes also adds complexity.
Close collaboration between battery developers, aerospace manufacturers and the wider research community will be essential if the UK is to capture future economic opportunities in electric and hybrid aviation. In doing so, the UK aerospace sector can leverage strengths in propulsion, system integration, advanced manufacturing, electrochemical research and battery pack design to enhance UK competitiveness to increase content on next generation aircraft.
Download INSIGHT: Aerospace Battery Requirements.
ATI Programme funding has already helped to develop battery technologies as part of pioneering electric flight programmes in the UK. Discover more about Vertical Aerospace’s ATI Programme funded CEBD project here.
