This article introduces a novel approach for developing an electrical model of the lithium batteries used in an electric ultralight aircraft. Currently, no method exists in the technical literature for accurately modeling the electrical characteristics of batteries in an electric aircraft, making this study a valuable contribution to the field. The proposed method was validated with an all-electric ultralight aircraft designed and constructed at the Pascual Bravo University Institution. To build the detailed model, a kinematic analysis was first conducted through takeoff tests, where data on the speed, acceleration, time, and distance required for takeoff were collected, along with measurements of the current and power consumed by the batteries. The maximum speed and acceleration of the aircraft were also recorded. These kinematic results were obtained using two batteries made from Samsung INR-18650-35E lithium-ion cells, and different wing configurations of the aircraft were analyzed to assess their impacts on the battery energy consumption. Additionally, the discharge cycles of the batteries were evaluated. In the second phase, laboratory tests were performed on the individual battery cells, and the Peukert coefficient was estimated based on the experimental data. Finally, using the Peukert coefficient and the kinematic results from the takeoff tests, the electrical model of the battery was fine tuned. This model allows for the creation of charging and discharging equations for ultralight lithium batteries. With the final electrical model and energy consumption data during takeoff, it becomes possible to determine the energy usage and flight range of an electric aircraft. The model indicated that the aircraft did not require a long distance to takeoff, as it reached the necessary takeoff speed in a very short time. The equations used to simulate the discharge cycles of the batteries and lithium cells accurately described their energy capacities.
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