Aerospace companies have been quick to identify the advantages of Additive Manufacturing and are adopting it through various aerospace applications. Initially, it allowed for the shortening of development time with form, fit and functional tests. As the technology has matured, aerospace companies are now able to validate additive manufacturing and are building up a database of both materials and process. The notion of certifying airworthy additive manufactured components is now a compelling option.
At the heart of these electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles lies the electric powertrain. This consists of a lithium-ion battery along with high performance motors and inverters which generate the necessary lift and propulsion. There are a variety of different powertrain concepts currently being developed, however they all share the same thermal management challenges that come with high power and high voltage electronics.