Embraer, and EDP, a private energy company, will be using EDP’s energy storage and battery charging technologies on a demonstrator aircraft using the EMB-203 Ipanema as a testbed. (Embraer)
Embraer is partnering with EDP, a Brazilian private energy company, to advance aviation energy storage and battery charging with an all-electric prototype aircraft, the EMB-203 Ipanema, set to take flight in 2021 using EDP’s energy storage and battery charging technologies, according to a Nov. 20 press release.
The partnership will look at how high voltage batteries can be used in electric propulsion systems for small aircraft. They will also research weight, efficiency and power quality, thermal control and management, cycling loading and unloading, and operational safety.
“EDP aims to lead the energy transition to a low carbon economy,” Miguel Setas, president of EDP in Brazil, said in a press statement. “Our partnership with Embraer in the development of the company’s first 100% electric demonstrator aircraft represents a new frontier for our investment in electric mobility, which helps to position Brazil as a leading player in this market.”
Embraer initially partnered with WEG in May of 2019 with a proposal for the development of this technology, according to the press release. In August of 2019 Embraer unveiled the EMB-203 Ipanema which used WEG’s electric motor and controller. The project was then developed with the goal of maturing electric and energy storing technologies for future uses. EDP has pledged to electrify its whole fleet by 2030 and develop new commercial solutions to promote energy transition.
“EDP aims to lead the energy transition to a low carbon economy,” Miguel Setas, president of EDP in Brazil, said in a press statement. “Our partnership with Embraer in the development of the company’s first 100% electric demonstrator aircraft represents a new frontier for our investment in electric mobility, which helps to position Brazil as a leading player in this market.”
The testing has been done at Embraer’s facilities in Botucau, which is in São Paulo, but the first flight will be at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto unit.
The U.S. subsidiary of Embraer, EmbraerX, partnered with Elroy Air in January to certify a hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for unmanned cargo delivery.