Optimal design of the on-board electrical generation system of a jet airliner F.J. Asensio, J.I. San Martín, I. Zamora, G. Saldaña and A. Mollinedo 2018/04/20

Abstract

This paper proposes a new design for the on-board electrical generation system of the commercial airplane Boeing 747. In addition to the on-board energy generation, the proposed design also contemplates energy recovery during landing by regenerative braking. The proposed system consists of a micro-grid composed of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), Ion-Lithium based cells and reversible electrical synchronous machines. The key aspect of this design relies on the reduction of the weight of the water needed to bring abroad at the moment of taking off. This is possible because it is assumed that the water obtained as by-product of the electrochemical reactions of the fuel cell will be used for sanitary purposes. A study of the economic viability of the design in function of the hydrogen and jet fuel prices has been carried out. Results from simulations in MATLAB have shown a great potential for energy savings and reduction of pollutant emissions.

Authors and affiliations

F.J. Asensio1, J.I. San Martín1, I. Zamora2, G. Saldaña1, and A. Mollinedo1.
1. Department of Electrical Engineering. Engineering School of Gipuzkoa (Section of Eibar), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Campus of Gipuzkoa, Eibar (Spain)
2. Department of Electrical Engineering. Engineering School of Bilbao, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
Campus of Biscay, Bilbao (Spain)

Key words

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC); Energy recovery; Regenerative braking; On-board generation, Lithium-ion cell.

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