Energy Management System of a Fuel-Cell Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Based on Dynamic Programming

Aviation significantly contributes to CO2 and NOX emissions, which, particularly at cruise altitudes, also lead to ozone production. This has driven the push for greener aviation policies. Hybrid-electric propulsion systems, which combine traditional combustion engines with electric powertrains, offer reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and increased range. Hydrogen fuel cells, with their high energy density, are a promising alternative to conventional batteries. However, these systems add complexity in design and management, necessitating advanced Energy Management Systems (EMSs) for optimal performance. While EMS strategies for battery-powered hybrids are well-studied, research on fuel cell-based hybrids is still limited. This paper proposes an EMS strategy using Dynamic Programming (DP) for a hybrid aircraft with a gasoline engine and a fuel cell-powered electric motor. The DP approach aims to optimize the power split between these propulsion sources to minimize fuel consumption. Simulation results across various flight scenarios demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.