There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
The Evolution of Aeromobility: From Airports to Vertiports
The world of aeromobility is undergoing a once-a-lifetime transformative shift, driven by the innovative and creative engineering prowess of electric mobility. As we transition from traditional airports and heliports to futuristic vertiports, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in energy convergence as well. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, along with their cousins, electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) and electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) vehicles, are unleashing an engineering revolution in the aviation industry exemplified by the various configurations of aircraft.
Energy Convergence: The Heart of Advanced Electric Mobility
Advanced electric mobility, including electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced air mobility (AAM), relies on a diverse mix of energy sources, ushering in a convergence of energy systems unparalleled in history. As we design and develop vertiports, the energy equation becomes a fascinating aspect, transforming these hubs into not just mobility centers but also energy producers and resellers.
Keynote Insights: The Convergence Era
Over the past 12 months, my keynote presentations have underscored the convergence of mobility and energy as a foundational topic. This convergence is no longer a distant concept but a reality shaping our mobility future. So, what does this mean for the industry?
Vertiports: The Nexus of Mobility and Energy
While grand visions of massive vertihubs capture the imagination, the year 2024 serves as a wake-up call to focus on practical, scalable designs. The industry is learning to crawl before it walks and eventually will run. We are strategically assessing existing airports and heliports that can accommodate AAM traffic while planning for vertiport design from the ground up that will adapt to growing demand.
The first step in designing a vertiport is determining its strategic location. We consider traffic potential, taking into account various mobility patterns, and then turn our attention to energy requirements. This is where vertiports differ from conventional airports and heliports – they primarily rely on electricity, marking a shift towards more efficient and sustainable propulsion systems.
The Efficiency of Electric Propulsion
Electric motors stand out for their exceptional efficiency, ranging from 90% to 99%. They deliver 100% of their torque instantly as soon as they spin and offer a superior energy-to-weight ratio. EVs, too, have made significant strides in a very short amount of time, achieving efficiency levels between 80% and 92%, far surpassing the 33% efficiency of internal combustion engines and their outdated opposing piston designs. Electric motors are the future, offering higher energy density and contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation.
Vertiports: Energy Hubs of the Future
Vertiports introduce a charging infrastructure need that includes energy storage systems. While 400 to 600 amps are sufficient for current EV fast charging stations, eVTOL, eSTOL, and especially eSTOL aircraft demand much more power. Initial vertiport designs will support 600 to 700 amps, but future generations will require charging infrastructure ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 amps, and beyond. To ensure practicality, vertiports need flexible systems that can store electricity during off-peak hours when the grid is less taxed and energy costs are typically lower.
The Ever Shrinking Energy Density Challenge
Battery technology has made remarkable progress over the last two decades, outpacing the development of liquid and gaseous fuels over a century. We are still seeing breakneck achievements in energy density. Current 240 kWh cells can get most electric aircraft off the ground, but the industry aims for 350 to 500 kWh to support commercial AAM operations. Nonetheless, the evolution of EVs, from their early 40- to 60-mile ranges to Lucid Motors Air’s impressive 505-mile range, gives us optimism.
Hydrogen’s Role in the Energy Mix
Hydrogen, often touted as a promising alternative since the 1960s and earlier, is finding new life in aviation. Many secondary and tertiary airports have the space and resources for renewable energy production, making them ideal locations for on-site electricity generation and hydrogen production through water electrolysis. Vertiport designs can incorporate container-sized hydrogen manufacturing systems, either above or below ground, similar to battery storage solutions.
Managing the Multi-Energy Ecosystem
The key to success lies in effective management. By charging our battery storage systems at night, we ensure sufficient electricity during the day to recharge electric aircraft and produce hydrogen. This, coupled with the availability of Jet A and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), enables us to analyze traffic patterns and predict energy demand, optimizing energy grid usage and potentially offering excess energy back to the grid.
Vertiports: Multi-Lifestyle Hubs and Future Mini-Cities
Vertiports are more than just mobility hubs; they are shaping up to be multi-lifestyle platforms. Passengers will not only commute but also access shopping, dining, entertainment, and shared workplace amenities. These hubs will cater to a range of electric vehicles, from cars to boats, connecting people to various modes of efficient, clean, and quieter transportation options on land, sea, and even underground.
AAM’s Incredible Energy and Mobility Potential
We have only begun to scratch the surface of vertiport infrastructure’s potential. Electric Air Mobility, LLC is thrilled to have a front-row seat in this evolving industry, having witnessed the transformation from the early days of electric mobility with the Mitsubishi I MiEV in 2009 to the anticipated flight in the SkyDrive SD-05 next year. Join us on this journey as we harness the power of energy convergence, develop more efficient transportation solutions, and create a quieter, sustainable future.