Modeling of Electric Motor Driven Propellers for Conceptual Aircraft Design

Electric motors have achieved very high efficiency and reliability; and in some cases, very high power density. As the energy storage capabilities of batteries and fuel cells advance, these technologies are increasingly being considered for aircraft primary propulsion. In order to design electric aircraft, aircraft designers must be able to understand and model the performance characteristics of electric motors, propellers, and ducted fans – as well as the coupling between the motor and propulsors.