Electric drive

Developing an optimal system for electric flight requires addressing multiple challenges simultaneously—such as achieving fault tolerance, high system integration, and maximizing power and energy density. These goals demand extensive research and development, supported by a model-based systems engineering approach.

A combination of modeling techniques is used to support fast, interdisciplinary decision-making: numerical modeling in MATLAB/Simulink, physical modeling with Simscape, and multiphysics simulation via COMSOL. This integrated approach helps manage complex interdependencies and resolve design trade-offs at the system level.

One major challenge in first-principles multiphysics modeling is the high computational effort due to the large number of interconnected design parameters. To support faster analysis, mean-value models were introduced to enable interdisciplinary insights without excessive simulation time.
The resulting drivetrain topology must also meet redundancy and safety requirements. Multiple independent electric motors ensure that a single failure does not compromise flight safety—requiring intentional overdimensioning of propulsion power. A similar strategy is applied to the battery architecture, using several independent modules to ensure continued flight capability even in the event of partial battery failure.