Development of the Center for Electric Aircraft Research and Technology

Strategic Research Initiatives

Phillip J. Ansell, Timothy W. Bretl: Aerospace Engineering

Kiruba Haran, Peter W. Sauer: Electrical and Computer Engineering

About

With the growing concerns of the influence of emissions on the global climate and the future viability of traditional energy sources, the aeronautics industry has been challenged on many fronts to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and decrease dependency on carbon-based fuels. In 2015 alone, aircraft operations globally produced nearly one billion tons of CO2 emissions, and a substantial growth of aviation markets are projected to lead to large increases in air traffic and aircraft-related emissions. The Strategic Research Initiative program currently being conducted within the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering seeks to provide innovative and disruptive technological developments for future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft propulsion. These developments will contribute towards the future environmental sustainability of commercial aviation through reduced aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise, as well as substantial reductions in aircraft maintenance and operational costs for airlines. Much of these technologies can also be applied broadly to a variety of fields, such as renewable energy, transportation, and manufacturing industries.