Economic and emission reduction benefits of the implementation of eVTOL aircraft with bi-directional flow as storage systems in islands and case study for Canary Islands

Abstract

This research paper presents a novel approach for cost-benefit analysis for the bi-directional functionality of eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft charging. eVTOL aircrafts represents an emerging aviation market that seeks to revolutionize mobility, both intra-city and inter-city, through an air transportation system for passengers based on safety, efficiency and accessibility on demand. In this research, an optimization based on genetic algorithms has been used to find the number of eVTOL vehicles which makes vehicle-to-grid services profitable for each of the electrical systems considered. This research discusses the impact that vehicle-to-grid eVTOL aircraft would cause, changing the current demand curve peaks and the economic benefits for eVTOL end users, power plant companies and system operator. The results show that there is an increase in the penetration of renewable energy sources, causing a reduction of approximately 4.6% in global emissions. In addition, the benefits obtained by the stakeholders considered in the system is greater than zero. The methodology considered in this research offers a new perspective for electrical systems to predict the demand of eVTOL aircraft, in specific territories, such as in the presented case study in the Archipelago of Canary Islands.