Hybrid jet planes could be a reality

Scientists at the Victoria University of Wellington’s Robinson Research Institute are hoping to use their expertise in the field of superconductivity to help build the world’s first hybrid-electric jet plane.

As noted by the institute’s deputy director, Dr Rod Badcock, flying is the most climate-intensive form of transport and contributes hugely to global warming. “It’s important that a cleaner alternative is found — and fast,” he said.

But while electric vehicles have been around for a long time, Dr Badcock said, “electric planes pose a bigger challenge as they will require very high-power propulsion systems which are subject to stringent weight constraints. Existing electrical machines are simply too heavy.

“The only feasible approach is high-torque, high-speed machines that employ high-temperature superconductors.”

The institute’s reputation for superconductor science and engineering recently caught the eye of NASA and the US Air Force, which are part of global efforts to develop the world’s first hybrid-electric jet plane. A hybrid-electric aircraft would increase aircraft fuel efficiency by more than 33% over today’s jet engines by employing high-speed electric motors to drive aerodynamically optimised turbo-fans.

“We’d like to take our technology to the next step and develop a motor for a Boeing 737-sized passenger plane,” said Dr Badcock. “This will use an electric drive-train to connect high-speed electric motors with a fuel-powered generator running at maximum efficiency. A superconducting motor will deliver the all-important power-to-weight ratio.

“We have collaborations with experts in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan. We’re all using our knowledge and technology to make it a reality.”

Helping to build the world’s first hybrid-electric jet plane would have a considerable impact on the New Zealand economy, said Dr Badcock, who noted that the country has a high dependence on aviation for both export and tourism.

“New Zealand must implement a step-change in fuel efficiency to maintain emission levels promised in the Paris Agreement — a 30% improvement in aircraft efficiencies is required by 2035,” he said. “This would help protect our growing international tourism industry that brings $12 billion into the economy, and save New Zealand $276 million a year in fuel.

“Developing new, cleaner aviation technology is a demanding goal, but it offers potentially transformative outcomes for New Zealand. There are opportunities for local companies to contribute to and earn from this pressing global problem, including the growth of a new export market that manufactures specialised pieces of machinery.”

Three representatives from the Robinson Research Institute will be speaking at an upcoming NASA special session in Wisconsin about the development of electric aircraft using superconducting technology.