Holistic Analysis of Electric Aircraft Powertrain Dynamics

Abstract The powertrain design is crucial for success in the electric multirotor aircraft development race. It significantly impacts the aircraft’s performance, maneuverability, and safety. The sizing of all powertrain components is essential for balancing efficiency, and dynamics within its entire operational envelope. This work proposes a holistic approach to analyze the dynamics of a powertrain by considering the most relevant components, including the batteries, the electronic speed controller, the motor, and the propeller. The entire powertrain is formulated as a first-order system which is examined via a phase plane analysis. This facilitates the assessment of the underlying dynamics on a rotational rate of change and thrust rate of change degree for every operating condition. Moreover, the whole operational envelope of the powertrain is displayed, including the subsystems’ physical constraints. This results in an accurate performance prediction and acts as an enabler for effective control strategies as well as for future design optimizations.