“There are more solutions than obstacles.” Nicolas Zart
In the previous part of our series, “The Rise of Urban Air Mobility: Unlocking the Future of the Skies,” we delved into the two primary operations of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM). We explored how certain electric aircraft are tailored for specific operations, while others are versatile enough to accomplish both. As the AAM industry navigates its teenage years, we draw parallels with the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) a decade and a half ago. We also conclude heliports and smaller regional airports to conceptualize the future of vertiport infrastructure. At Electric Air Mobility, LLC, we recognize the critical importance of energy management and infrastructure by designing them to be scalable, resilient, and robust vertiport networks. So, what exactly are vertiports?
The Different Types of Vertiports that Will Be Needed
Think of vertiports as the future hubs for mobility and energy convergence. They are the regulated gateways for travelers and also produce and store energy. With many electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL), and electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft being hybrid, liquid fuels, and multiple energy management become essential considerations to future-proof vertiports. This convergence of mobility and energy solutions unlocks myriad revenue streams for vertiport operators and owners.
Vertipads, the modern equivalent of helipads, are where electric aircraft will take off and land. Interestingly, our experience has shown that some existing heliports can be converted into vertiports, but not all. In one of our Middle Eastern international projects, we are finding an almost even split between heliports suitable for conversion and new vertiport constructions.
Typically, vertiports will come in three variants, each building upon the other and in most likely chronological order of appearance:
- Vertistops: These are basic passenger shelters, possibly featuring one or two vertipads, but not necessarily including energy infrastructure.
- Vertiports: Larger in scale, vertiports include at least one terminal with amenities, two or more vertipads, and energy sources such as electricity, hydrogen with storage, and Jet A/SAF for hybrid aircraft.
- Vertihubs: Resembling modern airports, vertihubs offer a range of services, including food, entertainment, and even medical facilities.
The strategic location of these vertiports is crucial, ensuring proximity to other mobility options and, most importantly, energy sources.
Vertiport Energy and AAM Energy Management
Electric aircraft demand significant electrical power, and vertiports must be strategically positioned near energy sources or have the capacity to generate their own renewable energy. Solar, wind, hydro, and even small modular nuclear reactors can provide sustainable solutions. Electric Air Mobility continues to talk to promising small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear stakeholders, focusing on molten salt reactors (MSR) solutions small enough to offer abundant clean energy for a vertiport or more. By partnering with international smart grid leaders, Electric Air Mobility is pioneering vertiport energy hubs that create, store, and resell energy to utilities during peak demand periods. This not only enhances grid stability but also opens up new revenue streams for vertiport owners and operators.
The electric charging systems we provide, coupled with energy storage solutions, optimize energy usage by charging during off-peak hours and supplying power back to the grid when demand is high. Hydrogen production and storage require the dedicated space of a shipping container, putting out 2-5MW of power. Both electric and hydrogen systems can be installed underground, depending on the location, regulations, and available space.
With our expertise in energy management, we emphasize the importance of smart grid capabilities for vertiports, enabling them to resell excess energy and contribute to addressing the challenges faced by aging utility grids. This innovative approach to energy production and distribution further highlights the potential for vertiports to be more than just mobility hubs.
Lastly, vertiport terminals will be designed for efficient passenger flow, incorporating weight checks, and leveraging drone operations for traffic coordination. The early integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the planning phase is crucial for optimizing operational efficiencies.
Stay tuned for part 3, where we delve deeper into the world of vertiport energy and management, exploring the possibilities that lie ahead.
