Survey on design technology of distributed electric propulsion aircraft

The distributed electric propulsion system, which uses electric power to drive multiple propulsors as the aircraft power device, is widely considered a disruptive technology in the aviation field because of its great potential in improving aerodynamic efficiency, carrying capacity, environmental protection, and robustness of aircraft. This paper presents a survey on the research and academic progress of distributed electric propulsion aircraft design technology from the perspective of professional division for aircraft engineering design, based on a preliminary study of the advantages and disadvantages of electric aircraft, the scale independence of electric propulsion system, as well as the classification of distributed electric propulsion aircraft. This design technology involves aircraft conceptual/preliminary design, aerodynamic design, structural design, system and support facility design. With continuous improvements in battery energy density, motor and controller power density, and the miniaturization and lightweight of related airborne electrical equipment, the distributed electric propulsion general aircraft basically owns the market-oriented ability in on-demand aviation. Despite certain challenges, this technology provides more trade-off space and possibility for future aircraft design. © 2021, Beihang University Aerospace Knowledge Press. All right reserved.