Sustainable technologies for aircraft energy generation, storage, and distribution

It is estimated that the contribution of the aviation industry to global warming is currently 2-3%. The projected growth of the industry may increase this to 10-20% by 2050. As such, the aim of this research is to explore how proposed aircraft energy generation, storage, and distribution technologies can improve sustainability in the aviation industry. The primary research question addressed by this work is: What are the current technological trends in aircraft energy generation, storage, and distribution and how much will these technologies help reduce the aviation industries contribution to climate change? An explanatory case study methodology was utilised in this research. A number of research tools were used, specifically document analysis, trend analysis, and technology forecasting methods. The technological developments were identified with a preliminary document analysis. The trend analysis identified which technologies were of importance in terms of the historical development and technology effectiveness. A number of trends were identified in aircraft technologies for energy generation, storage and distribution to improve sustainability. The primary consideration identified was energy storage. That is, energy generation and distribution technologies are a significant facet of future more electric aircraft, and even all-electric aircraft. However, the key enabling technology is the storage of energy, specifically the energy densities in terms of either battery capacity, or hydrogen storage (for use with fuel cells). Aircraft energy generation, storage, and distribution technologies are a single facet of the airframe and avionic systems for greener aircraft; the contributions from other facets maybe more significant, specifically in terms of fuels and engines.