Power generation on a solar photovoltaic array integrated with lighter-than-air platform at low altitudes

Ghosh, Kuntal; Guha, Anirban; Duttagupta, Siddhartha P.

doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2017.10.039

Cited by 25 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…It is also easily accessible from the consumer market at an affordable cost to this project. Silicon cells are selected widely as the PV cells for solar-powered aircraft [15], such that the monocrystalline silicon PV cell is chosen for this project. The SunPower C60 solar cell has an efficiency between 21.8% and 22.5%, which is higher than the typical efficiency of the existing monocrystalline silicon cell of 15% to 20% [3].…”

Section: Selection Of Pv Cellmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Extended Flight Endurance

Chu

Lee

et al. 2021

Drones

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Having an exciting array of applications, the scope of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) application could be far wider one if its flight endurance can be prolonged. Solar-powered UAV, promising notable prolongation in flight endurance, is drawing increasing attention in the industries’ recent research and development. This work arose from a Bachelor’s degree capstone project at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The project aims to modify a 2-metre wingspan remote-controlled (RC) UAV available in the consumer market to be powered by a combination of solar and battery-stored power. The major objective is to greatly increase the flight endurance of the UAV by the power generated from the solar panels. The power system is first designed by selecting the suitable system architecture and then by selecting suitable components related to solar power. The flight control system is configured to conduct flight tests and validate the power system performance. Under fair experimental conditions with desirable weather conditions, the solar power system on the aircraft results in 22.5% savings in the use of battery-stored capacity. The decrease rate of battery voltage during the stable level flight of the solar-powered UAV built is also much slower than the same configuration without a solar-power system.

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Section: Selection Of Pv Cellmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Extended Flight Endurance

Chu

Lee

et al. 2021

Drones

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The aerostat has recently garnered attention owing to its low development cost and less complex design. [ 114,115 ] Nevertheless, various major challenges and issues are being faced when integrating solar cells to extend flight endurance in an aerostat. Determining the optimal methods of design and integration of solar cells can solve various problems, such as power loss due to non‐uniform illumination in curved areas.…”

Section: Energy Harvesting Optimization Algorithmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar Powered Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Review

et al. 2021

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In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with various capabilities suitable for both military and civilian applications. There is also a substantial interest in the development of novel drones that can fly autonomously in different environments and locations and perform various missions. Nevertheless, current battery‐powered UAVs are limited by their flight range. Consequently, several approaches are being developed to enhance the flight endurance of drones, including augmenting the drone with solar power. In this review, the different classifications of drones that have been developed based on their weight and flight range are identified. Then, the design challenges of the electrical systems embedded in the flying drones are explained. Next, approaches used to increase the flight endurance using various types of solar cells with respect to their materials and mechanical flexibility, in addition to various navigation and control approaches, are discussed in detail. Finally, limitations of existing solar‐powered UAVs are presented in addition to proposed solutions and recommendations for the next generation of drones.

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“…Although different solar cells types exist in the market, very few are applied to aircraft powered by solar energy due to the following reasons: capability of energy transformation efficiency, cost-consideration, environmental compliance, weight of the substrate, flexibility and consistency (Fazelpour et al 2013). Silicon cell is the predominant photovoltaic cell used in solar-powered aircraft (Ghosh et al 2017).…”

Section: Classification Of Photovoltaic Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Power Device for Solar-Powered Aircraft Applications

Danjuma

Abdullah

Omar

2019

J.Aerosp. Technol. Manag.

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This paper reviews various power device components of solar-powered aircraft such as photovoltaic (PV) cells, maximum power point tracker (MPPT) and rechargeable batteries. The various power device components were highlighted, and the ones applicable to aircraft were analyzed, based on criteria as efficiency for photovoltaic cells; energy densities about rechargeable batteries; and maximum power point tracker on quick response to achieve maximum power point on I-V curve. Emerging technologies like photovoltaic cells, thin film cell, organic photovoltaic cell, multi-junction cell and silicon quantum dot cell, with the future potential of high efficiencies that can be used in solar-powered aircraft, were all examined. Regarding battery technology, Lithium-air battery (Li-air) was reported as having great opportunities for high energy densities capable of improving the efficiency of the solar-powered aircraft, for the greater prospect of the aviation industry. The design of efficient power device for solar-powered aircraft application is proposed. Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells were used because of its high energy conversion efficiency of 30 to 40%. A smart and intelligent MPPT Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is chosen because of its efficiency in partial shading and fast response and speed. The Li-air rechargeable battery is proposed because of its theoretical energy density of 11680 Wh/Kg.

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Power generation on a solar photovoltaic array integrated with lighter-than-air platform at low altitudes

Cited by 25 publications

References 26 publications

Development of a Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Extended Flight Endurance

Development of a Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Extended Flight Endurance

Solar Powered Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Review

Review of Power Device for Solar-Powered Aircraft Applications

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