In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban air mobility, a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Aeronautics has shed light on the critical role of thermal management in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying vehicles. Led by Chen Yiqun, the research introduces a multi-scene integrated thermal management system designed to tackle the high cooling demands and variable operational scenarios of eVTOLs.
The study, which utilized Amesim simulation software to develop an eVTOL thermal management simulation platform, reveals significant insights into the impact of flight conditions on thermal management and range. According to Chen Yiqun, “Our findings demonstrate that increasing the cruise altitude can substantially reduce thermal management energy consumption, especially when ground temperatures are high.” The simulation results indicate that energy consumption for thermal management can be reduced by up to 4 kW when the cruising temperature ranges from 10 ℃ to 26 ℃.
The research also highlights the importance of payload management during emergency rescue operations. It was found that when the hovering rescue duration exceeds 150 seconds, the temperature difference within the battery becomes excessively pronounced, potentially affecting performance and safety. Additionally, the study shows that reducing the payload can significantly improve the range of eVTOLs, with the unloaded range being 1.33 times greater than the fully loaded range.
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector and the future of urban air mobility. As eVTOLs become increasingly prevalent, effective thermal management systems will be crucial for ensuring their efficiency, safety, and commercial viability. The findings suggest that optimizing flight conditions and payload management can lead to substantial energy savings and improved performance, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient urban air transportation.
Chen Yiqun’s work, published in the Journal of Aeronautics, represents a significant step forward in the development of eVTOL technology. As the field continues to evolve, such research will be instrumental in shaping the future of urban air mobility and the energy sector as a whole.