Sizing of the energy storage system of hybrid-electric aircraft in general aviation

The advantages of electric drives and conventional combustion engines can be combined in series hybrid-electric aircraft through appropriate aircraft design. As a consequence, energy-efficient aircraft with sufficient range can be realised in general aviation. The sizing of the energy storage system has a significant impact on the range, the energy consumption, and the related energy cost of the aircraft. In this paper, the boundary conditions for the sizing of the energy storage are analysed. Based upon this, a design for an energy-optimized aircraft will be suggested. The energy consumption of this aircraft will then be compared to modern conventional aircraft.