Why don't we have electric planes yet?

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12-31-2019 | 05:08 PM

#21

JamesNoBrakes

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From: Volleyball Player

Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

The difference being connections being made several times a day as opposed to twice, three times a week. Not insurmountable, but difficult. I can think of only a few operations that would work with,say, Kenmore.

I think that's the target demographic, and it wouldn't work for every application they do, but there are some situations where it may work well.

12-31-2019 | 07:23 PM

#22

galaxy flyer

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From: Baja Vermont

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

Not sure if you know how these airplanes are operated. They are docked only at improved and dedicated facilities. Many are kept kept in the water at all times (on inspection programs that account for the marine environment). Sure there will be controls, but I see little difference between this and hooking up a large boat to shore power. Controls and technology will be needed of course, but this isn’t insurmountable.

Yes, I’ve seen Kenmore’s and Harbour Air’s operation, but they are floatplanes, beaches, poor ramps in the bush are part of the deal.

12-31-2019 | 08:43 PM

#23

captive apple

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The market is driving these electric planes.
It would be a huge advantage to cut 1/4 or 1/3 of the rental price out of the equation.

01-01-2020 | 03:56 AM

#24

sailingfun

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

The amount of Amps needed to be pushed to the aircraft for a quick charge is nothing like shore power for a boat. A valid comparison is not even possible. Next time you get a chance take a look at the power cords for the new quick charge auto facilities. Cord length is also critical. To push those kinds of AMPS cords must be kept short or have massive diameters.

01-01-2020 | 05:58 AM

#25

Mesabah

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfun

I can't imagine how long a battery would last under those conditions as well. For an airliner, you might get 5 years if you are lucky. I think to be viable, the battery would have to swapped out every flight, and sent to a recharge facility at the airport, the logistics would be impossible really.

01-01-2020 | 10:26 AM

#26

rickair7777

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfun

Current capacity of the cord can be solved with diameter and/or materials.

That's off-the-shelf technology, heavy industry does it all the time.

The connector might have to be special. Large ships don't "plug in" to shore power, they actually hard-wire the shore power wires to the ship's electrical bus. It only takes a few minutes, but it's probably a little too technical for line use. And you need to be absolutely certain the breakers are off before you bolt a wire to a high-voltage bus

Probably just need a connector with a mechanical latch-in feature and good seals. As opposed to the current 115VAC 400Hz aircraft push-in plugs, which has the same arcing potential as residential house current.

01-08-2020 | 09:41 AM

#27

hydrostream

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Proper insulation and cord lengths that don’t allow contact with the dock or water. Build a terminal on the dock and a switch on shore. Lights/audible warning to signal when charging.