Optimal Sizing and Operation of Airport Infrastructures in Support of Electric-Powered Aviation

The adoption of hybrid-electric aircraft is expected to have a considerable impact on airport operations, with the need of new infrastructural requirements to support electric-powered fleets. In particular, battery-charging requirements shall play a decisive role. Preliminary investigations useful to perform scenario studies for the future implementation of electric-powered aviation can take advantage of the ARES methodology presented here, which provides the optimal solution to the sizing of airport battery recharging infrastructures. Based on the flight schedule and on the specifications of the aircraft fleet and the charging equipment, the solution assesses the number and type of charging points, the related electrical consumption in terms of energy and power, and further information needed to guarantee the required operational level while minimizing the procurement and operating costs. The method allows considering and comparing two charging strategies: plug-in recharge and battery swapping. Energy price variation in time is also taken into account and a full description of the optimal time scheduling of recharging operations is provided. Application studies to the reconfiguration of two existing aerodromes, a General Aviation airport and a large regional hub, are discussed, showing the potential of the proposed approach.