Electrification of a Small Aircraft: Technical Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Environmental Impact

Abstract

The aviation industry plays a critical role in many aspects of modern life. It makes significant contributions while posing environmental and technical challenges that cannot be ignored. In particular, the increase in global carbon emissions and the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption make All Electric Aircraft (AEA) an increasingly significant alternative. AEA is an emerging concept in the aviation industry today, and advances in battery technologies and electric propulsion systems will accelerate its adoption. This study presents the conversion of the Tecnam P2008 JC to an All Electric Aircraft concept. A suitable battery and electric propulsion system were selected during the conversion process while maintaining the aircraft's structural architecture and operational limitations. A battery pack based on lithium-ion batteries was designed, and integration was completed by selecting the appropriate power electronics components. The electric aircraft's energy consumption and performance analyses on the specified flight route were carried out through simulations. In addition, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions of electric and conventional configurations are compared. The study results provide an important perspective on the sustainable transformation of aviation by revealing the advantages of fully electric aircraft and the engineering challenges they may face.