Modular, scalable and technology-Open Design for future Aviation BATteries

The MODABAT project aims to develop an airworthy battery system for an ultra-efficient regional aircraft with a hybrid-electric propulsion system, targeted for entry into service by 2035.Given the rapid evolution of various battery technologies (e.g., Lithium-Ion, Solid-State, Sodium-Ion), it is currently uncertain which technology will be suitable for aircraft integration. Therefore, a modular, scalable, and technology-open battery system design approach is proposed to align with the ambitious timeline and evolving technological landscape of the aviation sector.Expected results include a certifiable aviation battery system design that is technology-open, along with a TRL4 battery system demonstrator based on COTS cells to verify safety and aircraft integrability. A comprehensive roadmap towards a TRL5 aviation battery system and flight-test readiness by 2029 will identify compliance pathways, potential obstacles, and mitigation strategies. Additionally, a digital twin of the battery system will leverage high-fidelity models of next-generation solid-state battery cells, integrated into the HERA REG DT framework, to validate the design's suitability for intended aircraft applications.The project will benefit the entire supply chain, from cell manufacturers to airframers, as well as certification authorities, research and technology organizations (RTOs), and academia. The impact of enabling the hybrid-electric regional aircraft's entry into service by 2035 will enhance the global competitiveness of the European aviation industry while opening new markets for battery cell and system component suppliers. Furthermore, it will prepare certification authorities for the demands of future electric aircraft propulsion systems.Ultimately, the societal benefits include reduced CO2 and noise emissions from air travel, ensuring that it remains affordable in the long term.