Estudio y viabilidad de los modelos de propulsión mediante energías renovables en el sector aeronáutico
Tutor / Supervisor
Student
Robles Rosales, Adrià
Document type
Bachelor thesis
Date
2024
rights
Open Access
Publisher
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
UPCommons
Abstract
This Final Degree Project focuses on the comprehensive evaluation of propulsion systems powered by renewable energies within the aeronautical sector, contrasting them with traditional propulsion systems to determine their feasibility, sustainability, and efficiency. Through a comparative analysis, the study seeks to identify the most promising technologies that could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation, a sector known for its high environmental impact. The main objectives of the work include comparing the environmental, economic, and social impact of conventional and renewable propulsion technologies, and assessing the technical and economic feasibility of implementing the latter in commercial aviation. The methodology employed encompasses both qualitative and quantitative analyses, using tools such as Matlab and Simulink to simulate the performance of different propulsion systems, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electric, hybrid, and hydrogen systems. The study demonstrated that while SAF and hydrogen systems offer significant reductions in direct emissions, they face challenges such as the need for specialized infrastructure and high initial costs. On the other hand, electric propulsion appears as a viable option for short flights due to its lower environmental impact and operational efficiency, although limited by current battery technology. Hybrid systems, combining electric motors with combustion engines, present an intermediate solution that could facilitate the transition to more sustainable aviation. Finally, the work concludes that the transition to more sustainable propulsion systems is imperative to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. However, this transition will require not only technological advances, but also a favorable regulatory framework and international collaboration to overcome economic and infrastructure challenges. The conclusions suggest that future efforts should focus on improving battery technology, increasing the production and economies of scale of SAF's, and developing regulations that support innovation and the adoption of clean technologies in aviation.
