Electric domestic aviation. Is the Danish case feasible?

Abstract

The aim of this work is to clarify whether electric-powered aviation can comply with requirements from the Danish government for a zero-emission carbon dioxide footprint by 2030 on domestic flight routes. The battery types are presented, in an attempt to determine whether electric air transportation can become commercially viable. The gap in evaluating the feasibility of moving by electric aircraft by 2030 is met through this research, by analysing the feasibility, through current developments, of delivering enough energy in terms of Wh/kg as compared to conventional fuel for a combustion-driven aircraft. The calculations, based on lithium (Li)-ion batteries with an energy density of 260 Wh/kg, showed that the goals will be met only with the development of new battery technology. The results indicate that there will be a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 17%. According to aircraft manufacturers, it will be possible to accommodate up to 186 passengers in a fully electric-driven aircraft, which can meet the demand for domestic flights in Denmark. Other types of batteries, such as lithium–sulfur (Li–S) and lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) are relevant to investigate because of their higher energy density and usage of natural minerals other than just lithium.