Infrastructure requirements on airports in support of electric aviation demands

Abstract

The aviation industry is increasingly exploring electric propulsion technologies to keep up with environmental and economic objectives aimed at optimizing aircraft energy consumption and reducing emissions in the aviation sector. These systems rely entirely or partially on batteries as an energy source for flight operations, necessitating the recharging of these batteries. Consequently, airports must invest in the necessary infrastructure to support this upcoming electrification. This thesis investigates the potential integration of electric aircraft using the flight schedule of Hamburg Airport as a case study. The specific focus is on the D70-PHEA-2040 aircraft as a reference model. Within the framework of this research, a detailed analysis of flight schedules for two reference weeks in 2023 - one during a peak summer week and one during a less peak winter week, ensuring the consideration of both high- and low-traffic periods - is conducted to evaluate substitution rates and charging energy requirements for electric aircraft. The study assesses the daily and yearly energy demands associated with electric flights, highlighting the need for robust charging infrastructure. Custom tools developed specifically for this study are utilized throughout this work. These tools model various aspects, including the identification of possible substitutions with electric aircraft, the calculation of battery state of charge and charging energy requirements, and the assessment of the optimal number of chargers needed at the airport infrastructure. The models used in this work are verified through sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, the thesis explores the environmental benefits of electric aircraft, including significant CO2 emission reductions per passenger, and provides recommendations for renewable energy sourcing to support more efficient and sustainable aviation operations.