Devesh Jain
Senior System Engineer, Energy Storage Systems, Archer
C h a p t e r 2
One of the biggest challenges to UAM
usage is endurance—both in single
flight time/range and in the sense of
how long a battery system can be used
before retirement. While battery storage
technology will continue to improve,
precise motor control and battery
monitoring can help take advantage of
every amp-hour of storage capacity.
The fundamental challenge from a motor
control standpoint is to minimize losses
and maximize electrical power, which
is actually converted into rotor torque
and ultimately lift. Optimizing the lift
from the motor/propellers means that
UAM vehicles can stay in the air longer.
Increased efficiency reduces the energy
lost to the environment as heat, which
can be significant since UAMs are
powered by hundreds of amps of current
at hundreds of volts and require a cooling
system. With modern power electronics,
heat loss is minimal and the need for
a cooling system is avoided, reducing
weight, complexity, and cost.
Similar to precise motor control, precise
battery monitoring via a well-developed
battery management system (BMS) can
increase UAM operational time. If charge
level can be measured more precisely,
UAM FLIGHT ENDURANCE
CHALLENGES
A highly accurate BMS will enable
engineers to optimize battery
utilization and reduce the need for
additional batteries, resulting in
significant savings in the weight
and size of the vehicle."
10
Addressing New Challenges in Urban Air Mobility
