Energy management of an eVTOL aircraft with optimization based on the Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS)

Abstract This article introduces an optimization-based energy management strategy developed and validated for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The primary objective of this strategy is to minimize hydrogen consumption while accounting for resource constraints, such as the battery and fuel cell, to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability while adhering to performance and safety requirements. The eVTOL employed in this research is an essential component of our “Viable” research project, featuring a hybrid propulsion system that combines batteries and fuel cells. To accomplish this, mathematical and computational techniques were employed using the equivalent consumption minimization strategy method to determine the optimal operational parameters for the eVTOL aircraft, considering the available energy resources. These techniques were implemented for the first time in MATLAB, enabling simulations of the aircraft’s performance under various conditions. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the energy management strategy in significantly reducing hydrogen consumption while maintaining optimal performance and safety. Graphs and comparative analyses are presented to highlight the evolution of hydrogen consumption compared to different parameters and to compare the approach with alternative methods. Furthermore, the article explores an alternative solution that offers related results and performance as MATLAB, utilizing the open-source software OpenModelica (OM). Energy management experiments using ECMS were conducted on OM, yielding highly satisfactory outcomes in terms of simulation accuracy and cost-effectiveness. The method was also evaluated in simulations of propulsive system resources, developed on OM, validating the results concerning energy distribution, compliance with constraints, and real-time feedback. In summary, this article presents a comprehensive strategy for effectively managing energy consumption in eVTOL aircraft. By leveraging simulations conducted in MATLAB and OM, the strategy’s effectiveness was assessed, with potential implications for advancing the sustainability of electric eVTOL aircraft.