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 strongly focused on the scheduled volume and long-distance mobility services. Thus, limiting its potential coverage, flexibility, and adaptability with high investments and centralized mobility hubs, called airports. In this context, a customized and on-demand air mobility concept providing high flexibility in location combinations and time schedules appears as an unexplored challenge for regional mobility needs. As a result, the aim of this research is to provide a generic framework for various mobility means as well as to design a holistic air mobility management concept for electric vertical mobility for profitable and sustainable operations by providing a service to society. A system dynamics simulation case study applies the conceptual model for an on-demand air mobility network of electric aircrafts in a regional area considering capacity constraints in vertiports, aircrafts, charging, and parking stations. Thus, bottlenecks and delays can be quantified by using a digital twin tool for customized scenarios. Simulation results show how an optimal maintenance management and redistribution of aircraft units improve service indicators in passenger quantity and customer order lead time as well as reduce aircraft on ground time. As a result, a digital twin air mobility network model with simulation capabilities is a key factor for successful operations.