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

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.

Keywords

• mobility
• electric aviation
• air mobility management model
• capacity management
• maintenance
• on-demand air mobility