Comment les avions électriques peuvent-ils améliorer la sécurité et la fiabilité en vol?

For sure electric propulsion is key to reducing operational costs in the operation of an electric aircraft and it is more environmentally friendly by eliminating emissions. The increase in safety margins will depend upon the overall architecture of the powerplant and electric systems, however, there will be some gains with less complex mechanical mechanisms to transfer movement, but that will depend on a case-by-case basis, depending on what each project picks as its best solution. Currently, there are tilt rotors, tilt-wings, and fixed rotors. Each solution either pays a penalty in performance or reliability. There will be always a price to pay, but the right level of safety has to be given from the get-go.

Another aspect to explore is the current state of battery development. The power per weight ratio is still small therefore limiting full electric aircraft to short missions and low speed. Another important discussion is the power source matrix to be used, as different solutions can provide a better power-per-weight ratio affording a good overall performance in terms of payload and speed. The concrete benefits to achieve in the short term though may fall within being environmentally friendly and cost reduction and not as much in terms of performance as desired even with the flexibility of improving aerodynamics characteristics, as mentioned. Hybrid power solutions can be a great starter to provide electric power.

Replacing traditional combustion engines with electric ones changes the failure modes one has to deal with. In understanding safety assessment for aircraft systems and FMEAs etc. Therefore the less a system or component is complex, meaning fewer failure modes, the more reliable, but still subjected to the design, materials, etc. A high level of safety of a component, part, or even a system relates to its architecture and the level of redundancy, the first pillar of safety, present in its design to counteract a loss of function, for example; or to avoid an inadvertent command or erroneous information, this is integrity, the second important pillar of safety. From this perspective, reliability benefits are more likely to be.

The type of power generation solution will define the different advanced air mobility market segments. While full electric solutions will be limited in performance and range, defining "urban air mobility" air taxis, the hybrid solution can take people up to 600 miles at 220 knots and carry heavier payloads. There are several alternatives to batteries that today offer a better weight and capacity ratio. However, the need for huge investments and operational costs (due to electrification) are also serious challenges to overcome for urban air mobility. Regional Air Mobility faces lower barriers.

Electric propulsion will indeed play a key role in the future of aviation regardless of the power generation technology behind it. There are urgent needs such as achieving lower or zero emissions and other demands from travelers and communities shaping the future of the air travel business.

Electric propulsion systems necessitate efficient thermal management to maintain optimal operating temperatures & prevent overheating. Advanced thermal management techniques, such as liquid cooling systems & active thermal regulation, help dissipate heat generated by electric motors & power electronics. By maintaining component temperatures within specified limits, effective thermal management mitigates the risk of performance degradation & component failure, ensuring the reliability of electric propulsion systems even under demanding operating conditions. Electric aircraft incorporate resilient power supply systems to ensure continuous electrical power distribution & critical system operation, reducing the risk of power-related failures.

Electric propulsion can offer today environmental, and operational cost benefits. Per the stage of development of batteries, performance is still limited in terms of speed, range, and payload. While a fully electric solution seems fit for urban air mobility, UAM, hybrid solutions will strive for regional air mobility. Since building the infrastructure for fully electric vehicles require huge investments, there is a chance that the regional segment, RAM, since it needs fewer investments, will develop first or together with UAM. Nevertheless, the future is promising with air mobility being as popular as ground transport is today.