Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Battery/Fuel Cell-Powered Electric General Aviation Aircraft

Abstract:
A comprehensive feasibility study of a hybrid power system—hydrogen-powered with battery support—for an electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing (eCTOL) general aviation aircraft is presented. The study estimates the power demand of a prototype aircraft and models the power architecture in PLECS to verify mission requirements and battery state-of-charge. Two variants, gaseous and liquid hydrogen supply, are assessed. Results show that a hydrogen-powered eCTOL aircraft with battery support is feasible, delivering comparable performance to combustion engine powertrains. Furthermore, the benefits of modern SiC-based power electronics tailored for this application, compared to commercially available products, are discussed.