Optimal Constant Climb Airspeed with Variable Cost Index for All-electric Aircraft

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach to minimize operational costs for all-electric aircraft during climb by using a dynamic cost index, optimizing airspeed and climb time under air traffic control constraints.

Contribution

It presents the first method to incorporate a time-varying cost index for optimizing climb performance in all-electric aircraft, validated through simulation.

Findings

Optimal climb airspeed identified

Climb time and energy consumption minimized

Method validated with realistic scenario

Abstract

This paper presents for the first time an approach to minimize direct operational costs (DOC) for all-electric aircraft during the climb phase, introducing a time-varying cost index (CI). The CI is modeled as a dynamic parameter commanded by Air Traffic Control (ATC), allowing the aircraft to maintain a constant airspeed throughout the climb, while respecting the air traffic regulations. This paper also explores the implications of a time-varying CI on the determination of optimal airspeed and climbing time for all-electric aircraft. Additionally, it provides the necessary equations to calculate both the optimal climb airspeed and climb duration. The proposed methodology has been validated through a simulated scenario that reflects actual operational procedures. As a result, optimal values for climb airspeed, climbing time, and energy consumption have been established, paving the way for future applications of this methodology to advanced air mobility all-electric vehicles.