3 ms·
Just as a comparision -- gasoline has a whr/kg density of 12,200. That shows the incredible efficiency of gasoline as a fuel store. This is also part of why it'
by boplicity 4y ago
Just as a comparision -- gasoline has a whr/kg density of 12,200. That shows the incredible efficiency of gasoline as a fuel store. This is also part of why it's unlikely we'll get electric powered aviation to replace our currently common uses. The batteries would simply weigh too much, even with incredible advances in the technology.
Liquid hydrogen is a viable alternative, though, as its density is 39,000 Wh/kg.
- giantg2 4y agoThere are some ultralights that are electric. That's mostly what I would be interested in. It seems those would be a great segment to target, especially if the FAA allows increases the allowable weight limit for an electric ultralight to equal that of a gas ultralight with fuel (extra 30lbs). The electric motors tend to be more reliable than some of the traditional ones (or at least in the state of maintenence that is typical), and you have some weight savings there too (maybe 30lbs). Once you have 1+ kWhr/kg, that starts to look really attractive for that use case... depending on price of course. Hydrogen would be interesting, but has some drawbacks for that use case - mostly heavy/bulky tanks and the need for heavier 4 stroke engines.