Frost: Commercial Aviation Industry Looks to Electric Aircraft for Green Initiative
December 15, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
The aircraft industry is developing more electric aircraft (MEA), with the ultimate goal of distributing only electrical power across the airframe.
According to Frost & Sullivan, the replacement of existing systems with electric equivalents has, and will continue to, significantly increase the electrical power requirement.
Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan of the global commercial aviation electrical power systems and infrastructure market assessment estimates the market will reach more than $24.0 billion by 2017.
"The use of more electric architecture on aircraft offers significant cost benefits with lower recurring costs due to fewer parts, integration of key sub-systems and multi-use of components," said Frost & Sullivan consulting analyst Balaji Srimoolanathan.
"It also reduces the overall cost of operation and ownership, because its architecture helps contain fuel consumption and increase overall aircraft performance and energy usage. Reduced maintenance and ground support also help lower the cost of ownership and operation."
Conventional aircraft employ a number of systems dependent on hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic and electrical sources. Analysts said due to the ineffectiveness of these systems and their weight contribution, novel technologies have to evolve to generate, distribute and utilize electrical power as an alternative to conventional systems to drive components.
"Regulations urging manufacturers to develop more environmentally friendly and greener aircraft have led to the increased use of electric systems that reduce fuel consumptions and lower emission levels," said Srimoolanathan. "Addressing eco-friendly, emission-free and highly efficient systems development to reduce carbon emissions remain a key challenge for the industry in its bid to achieve sustainable growth."
Competition exists within the market for aircraft electrical power systems at sub-system levels. Analysts said with the design and manufacturing capacity limited to sub-systems between a few tier-two suppliers, others compete on all the sub-systems and associated products.
Analysts said the overall market is consolidated to 70%, which makes it a niche market with a few dominant participants. With increasing applications, this market is set to expand significantly over the next decade.
Source: Frost & Sullivan.