BATTERY PACK THERMAL BEHAVIOUR MODELLING FOR ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT

Abstract

The call for net-zero emission flights by 2050 is prompting the design of alternative aircraft propulsion systems. In this framework, the electrification of both propulsive and non-propulsive loads onboard aircraft is thoroughly investigated. Despite the large number of battery electric (BE) aircraft concepts , the only certified BE aircraft is the two-seater Pipistrel Velis Electro. In this study, the mission performance and thermal stability of the battery packs of the Velis Electro are analyzed by means of simulation, using a combination of electric equivalent circuit models (EECM) and lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) models. The models were validated with data from NLR’s Velis Electro aircraft where a maximum prediction error below 2% was found for both voltage and temperature