Electricity demands increase on modern aircraft like Boeing's 777-300ER

Power consumption varies depending on the phase of flight and occupancy rate. For example, during taxi-out and taxi-in phases, electricity requirements are at their lowest at about 425 kW. In contrast, during cruise phases, this requirement peaks at approximately 720 kW.

A study published in the Aerospace Journal explored media preferences among passengers during flights. It found that "20% of respondents reported traveling for business purposes," with an assumption they would use laptops onboard. The rest spent time using IFE or personal electronic devices (PEDs).

As aviation accounts for nearly 2.5% of anthropogenic carbon emissions globally, estimating electrical power needs is crucial for developing alternative energy sources for aircraft systems. Hydrogen fuel cells present one such alternative by converting chemical energy into electrical energy without emitting pollutants.

Research suggests that hydrogen fuel cells offer several benefits over traditional systems powered by engine-driven generators. These include improved engine high-pressure compressor efficiency due to no bleed air being drawn from compressor stages and enhanced turbine efficiency by electrifying hydraulic systems.