Back in June I wrote an theoretical article about how Hybrid engines in aviation could help reduce radiative forcing (and essentially carbon) – see Exploring the Viability of Hybrid Neo Engines. In reading through news I was thrilled to see that Airbus has been developing this using smaller motors and newer battery technology.
Airbus has unveiled plans to integrate a series of small electric motors into its first hybrid airliner. https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/energy-transition/hybrid-and-electric-flight
Trials and Innovations
Airbus has already commenced trials of these electric motors on an experimental helicopter, which first took to the skies last year. Karim Mokaddem, Airbus’s head of electrification, indicated that the approach for a hybrid successor to the A320 jet will set a precedent for other aircraft models. This strategy simplifies scaling up electrification by allowing Airbus to adjust the number of motors based on aircraft size.
Hybrid Propulsion Strategy
The hybrid airliner will primarily rely on traditional jet engines, with auxiliary batteries and electric motors providing additional thrust during specific phases of flight, such as idling during descent and taxiing at airports. This design aims to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 5% per flight. The approach marks a departure from Airbus’s earlier, more ambitious plans involving larger motors and batteries, which were deemed too heavy to be practical
Specific Data and Milestones
As with any new technology there is often regulation hurdles to overcome, so Airbus is targeting the mid-2030s for the introduction of hybrid A320 models, with significant milestones including the successful testing of hybrid systems on smaller aircraft and helicopters.
Conclusion
Airbus’s hybrid A320 project represents a significant step towards achieving the aviation industry’s net-zero CO2 emissions target by 2050. By integrating modular electric motors and leveraging automotive industry advancements, Airbus is pioneering a new era of sustainable air travel. While challenges remain, the collaborative efforts and technological innovations underway are paving the way for a greener future in aviation.
This article was inspired by an article in The Telegraph. please give it a read.