Hybrid-electric regional jet aircraft operation efficiency

This work investigates the affect modifying the operation strategy during cruise has on hybrid-electric regional jet performance. Specifically investigated are mission range, fuel burn, and carbon dioxide emissions from fuel and battery sources. Accompanying the results from the hybrid-electric aircraft simulation is an investigation into the national aviation market, aimed at understanding the viability of missions with short ranges, those being most likely for hybrid-electric aircraft. Within the hybrid-electric simulation, a wide variety of current, near-future, and far-future battery technologies were tested, for a range of hybrid-electric configurations with increasing motor size and power. While the hybrid case with the lowest level of hybridization showed the greatest promise in terms of range capability, this configuration had drawbacks associated with fuel burn and emissions. Increases in BSED predicted for 2030-2040 would allow for the implementation of hybrid-electric regional jet transports that could meet up to 75% of the market demand. Increases in battery technology up to and exceeding the 2030 timeframe also demonstrated the capacity to reduce emissions compared to the conventional aircraft counterparts.