Development and Challenge of More/All Electric Aircraft

Abstract

With the rapid development of the aviation industry and the increasing environmental concern, the electrification of aircraft has become a leading research topic in aviation. More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and All Electric Aircraft (AEA) are two classifications of this field. MEA is designed to apply electrical structures to update traditional hydraulic and mechanical equipment, so as to improve the fuel efficiency of the aircraft, while the main propulsion power is still provided by aviation fuel. This excogitation has been developed in stages and put into commercial use. AEA is a more idealized design which aims to eliminate all forms of energy other than electrical energy on the aircraft in order to achieve higher efficiency and environmental goals. Research on AEA encounters multiple technical barriers, mainly the battery energy density. This paper introduces developments on the structures involved in the electrification of aircraft and their characteristics, then systematically analyses the main technical factors that limit the development of AEA and the possible technological breakthroughs in the future.