Environmental life cycle assessment and operating cost analysis of a conceptual battery hybrid-electric transport aircraft

Abstract Noise and greenhouse gas emission targets set by e.g., the EU commission, NASA, ICAO oblige aviation industry to reduce its environmental footprint. Battery-powered hybrid-electric aircraft are currently being investigated in this regard as they can potentially in-flight emissions noise. However, most studies date have focused on CO 2 reduction potential instead of considering total life cycle impact. Hence, within study an assessment method for a is developed applied, supplemented direct operating costs analysis. This allows simultaneous evaluation impact economic consequences operators. demonstrates faced trade-off contributes meaningful review process. A single-aisle transport (A320 class) serves use case established methodology. It consists conceptual design, assessment, analysis conventional reference with discrete parallel powertrain architecture. should be noticed that focus comparison designs same fidelity system level, lieu detailed modeling aircraft. Results show degree hybridization 0.3, configuration increased $$15.1\%$$ 15.1 % , while $$41.0\%$$ 41.0 compared For future scenario, favourable i.a. renewable electricity production, could reduced $$7.0\%$$ 7.0 At time, gap between both configurations decreases $$+ 26.8\%$$ + 26.8 . Hybrid-electric therefore further solution aviation, if simultaneously developing them expansion energies fostered. Nevertheless, involves high penalty.