journal article·2022-01-14Open access

Design and Simulation of a Digital Twin Mobility Concept: An Electric Aviation System Dynamics Case Study with Capacity Constraints

Philipp Winkler, Sergio Gallego-García, Marcel Groten

Applied Sciences· Volume 12· Issue 2

Abstract

Vertical mobility, as a commercial service, has been considered for scheduled volume and long-distance mobility services. To overcome its limits and increase its potential coverage, flexibility, and adaptability, centralized mobility hubs, similar to airports, will need to be constructed. Within this context, a customized and on-demand air mobility concept providing high flexibility in location combinations and time schedules could provide a solution for regional mobility needs. The aim of this research was to provide a generic framework for various mobility schemes as well as to design a holistic air mobility management concept for electric vertical mobility. A system dynamics simulation case study applied the conceptual model for an on-demand air mobility network of electric aircraft in a regional area with capacity constraints including vertiports, aircraft, charging, and parking stations. Therefore, bottlenecks and delays were quantified using a digital twin tool for customized scenarios. Simulation results showed that optimized maintenance management and the redistribution of aircraft units improved service indicators such as the number of customers served, and customer wait times as well as a reduction in the amount of time an aircraft spent on the ground. As a result, a digital twin air mobility network model with simulation capabilities may be a key factor for future implementation.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Air Traffic Management and Optimization · Advanced Aircraft Design and Technologies · Aviation Industry Analysis and Trends

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Head of Production Planning and Control, Lilium GmbH, 82234 Wessling, Germany

Industrial Engineering Technologies of the International School of Doctorate, National Distance Education University (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain

Project Portfolio and Production Management, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany

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