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Techno-Economic Comparison of Low-Carbon Energy Carriers Based on Electricity for Air Mobility

Author

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  • Jean-Baptiste Jarin

    (Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, TREE, 64000 Pau, France)

  • Stéphane Beddok

    (Safran Helicopter Engines, 64510 Bordes, France)

  • Carole Haritchabalet

    (Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, TREE, 64000 Pau, France)

Abstract

The decarbonization of air mobility requires the decarbonization of its energy. While biofuels will play an important role, other low-carbon energy carriers based on electricity are considered, such as battery electrification and liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ) or eFuel, a hydrogen-based energy carrier. Each energy carrier has its own conversion steps and losses and its own integration effects with aircraft. These combinations lead to different energy requirements and must be understood in order to compare their cost and CO 2 emissions. Since they are all electricity-based, this study compares these energy carriers using the well-to-rotor methodology when applied to a standard vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air mobility mission. This novel approach allows one to understand that the choice of energy carrier dictates the propulsive system architecture, leading to integration effects with aircraft, which can significantly change the energy required for the same mission, increasing it from 400 to 2665 kWh. These deviations led to significant differences in CO 2 emissions and costs. Battery electrification is impacted by battery manufacturing but has the lowest electricity consumption. This is an optimum solution, but only until the battery weight can be lifted. In all scenarios, eFuel is more efficient than LH 2 . We conclude that using the most efficient molecule in an aircraft can compensate for the extra energy cost spent on the ground. Finally, we found that, for each of these energy carriers, it is the electricity carbon intensity and price which will dictate the cost and CO 2 emissions of an air mobility mission.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Baptiste Jarin & Stéphane Beddok & Carole Haritchabalet, 2024. "Techno-Economic Comparison of Low-Carbon Energy Carriers Based on Electricity for Air Mobility," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-16, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:1151-:d:1347926
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Park, Sung-Won & Son, Sung-Yong, 2023. "Techno-economic analysis for the electric vehicle battery aging management of charge point operator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    2. Connolly, D. & Mathiesen, B.V. & Ridjan, I., 2014. "A comparison between renewable transport fuels that can supplement or replace biofuels in a 100% renewable energy system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 110-125.
    3. Jakovljević, Ivan & Mijailović, Radomir & Mirosavljević, Petar, 2018. "Carbon dioxide emission during the life cycle of turbofan aircraft," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 866-875.
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