Next Generation of Robust Aviation Electrification - Challenges and Opportunities

This paper will highlight challenges and opportunities in aviation electrification in achieving high power density, efficiency, and reliability through next generation of semiconductors and its connection with aviation decarbonization. The key topics considered are (a) more electric aircrafts and (b) hybrid and turbo-electric propulsion systems considering sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Such technologies are essential for eliminating emissions, reducing fuel consumption and noise pollution, lowering maintenance costs, and improving reliability. Given the electrification of the automotive industry, there is a great opportunity to leverage these technologies into the aviation sector. However, there are myriad of challenges that must be overcome to achieve mandated safety standards and reliability in deploying such systems in commercial aviation.