Conceptual multifunctional design, feasibility and requirements for structural power in aircraft cabins
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical investigation into the potential use of structural power composites in regional aircraft passenger cabins and the corresponding challenges to widespread use, including fire-resistance, long-term cycling performance, and cost. This study focusses on adapting sandwich floor panels with structural power composite face sheets, designed to power the in-flight entertainment system. Using a simple mechanical model to define the structural requirements, based on state-of-the-art laminated structural power composites, a series of electrochemical energy storage performance targets were calculated: a specific energy > 144 Wh/kg, a specific power > 0.29 kW/kg, an in-plane elastic modulus > 28 GPa and in-plane tensile and compressive strengths > 219 MPa. Significantly, the use of a distributed energy storage system offered a significant range of other mass and cost savings, associated with a simplified power system, and the use of ground-generated electrical energy. For an Airbus A220-100, the analysis predicted potential mass and volume savings of approximately 260 kg and 510 land annual reductions in CO2and NOx emissions of approximately 280 tonnes and 1.2 tonnes respectively. This extended design analysis of a specific component highlights both the far-reaching implications of implementing structural power materials and the potential extensive systemic benefits.
Date Issued
2021-05-01
Date Acceptance
2021-03-13
Citation
Journal of Aircraft: devoted to aeronautical science and technology, 2021, 58 (3), pp.677-687
ISSN
0021-8669
Publisher
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Start Page
677
End Page
687
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Aircraft: devoted to aeronautical science and technology
Volume
58
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2021 by Imperial College London. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission. See also AIAA Rights and Permissions www.aiaa.org/randp.
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
European Office Of Aerospace Research & Developmen
Clean Sky Joint Undertaking
Royal Academy Of Engineering
Identifier
https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.C036205
Grant Number
121041 - EP/P006701/1
EP/P007465/1
FA9550-17-1-0251
738085
CIET2021\136
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Engineering, Aerospace
Engineering
IONIC-LIQUID
ELECTROLYTE
PROPULSION
CELLS
STATE
Aerospace & Aeronautics
09 Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-04-23