Electrifying Flight: Pioneering Real-Time Simulation in Aviation

Commercial aviation, a sector known for stringent safety standards and cautious innovation, is experiencing a transformative shift with electric propulsion. A significant milestone was reached on December 10, 2019, when magniX, in collaboration with Harbour Air Seaplanes, conducted the world’s first commercial electric airplane flight. Powered by magniX’s 560kW electric propulsion system, this event marked a new era in aviation where sustainability and technological advancements converge.

Overcoming the Challenges of Electrification

Despite its promise, electrifying flight presents significant challenges. Jet fuel’s energy density is over 40 times greater than that of lithium-ion batteries, creating hurdles for electric aviation. However, magniX has tackled these issues through high-efficiency power electronics, power-dense electric motors, and thermal management solutions. Short regional routes, such as those operated by Harbour Air, serve as the perfect testbed for electric aircraft. These flights allow electric propulsion systems like the magni500 motor to be validated under real-world conditions, proving the viability of battery-powered aviation in practical applications.

Real-Time Simulation: A Game-Changer

Key to magniX’s rapid advancements is its use of OPAL-RT’s real-time simulation systems, which streamline the development and validation of electric propulsion control software. As Akshat Yadav, a Power Electronics Engineer at magniX, explains:

“The objective was to test the control software for flight in a very short period. OPAL-RT systems enabled rapid modeling and emulation of hardware for verification and validation.”

This simulation capability allows engineers to analyze hardware virtually before integration, accelerating development while minimizing risks and costs.

Innovative Engineering for Efficiency

MagniX employed OPAL-RT’s OP5707 simulator with FPGA-based Power Electronics Toolbox (eHS) to integrate and test their magniDrive inverters and magni-Series motors. Using an iterative approach, the team first emulated a simple R-L load model before progressing to a full motor model. Real-time measurements and Python-based API automation improved efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced software validation.

“During setup, the OPAL-RT team was very supportive. The connectors and peripherals integrated seamlessly with our control module and measurement units,” Yadav noted.

These advanced simulation tools were instrumental in developing the magniDrive inverter, which powers the eBeaver and eCaravan—the world’s largest all-electric commercial aircraft.

The Path to Sustainable Aviation

Electric aviation presents a compelling economic case. The eBeaver’s 30-minute test flight cost just $8.20 in electricity, compared to $135 for a fuel-powered equivalent. With zero emissions during operation and significantly lower costs, electric aircraft are poised to revolutionize regional air travel.

MagniX’s breakthroughs demonstrate that electric flight is not a distant dream but an imminent reality. By integrating real-time simulation tools, the company has propelled the electrification of aviation forward, proving that sustainability and efficiency can coexist in the skies.

Looking Ahead

As battery technology and power electronics continue to advance, electric aviation will expand beyond regional flights. The successes of magniX’s eBeaver and eCaravan flights signal a new trajectory for the industry. Real-time simulation will remain a cornerstone, enabling engineers to push the boundaries of innovation and redefine global transportation. With pioneers like magniX leading the charge, the convergence of energy and electrification is set to reshape not just aviation but the future of mobility worldwide.

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