Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation Aircraft Model

What is a solar-powered aircraft?

By way of definition, solar-powered aircraft could be described as aerial vehicles capable of sustained level flight in the atmosphere depending solely on solar radiation impacting on its airframe as its primary energy source. The design and development of solar-powered aircraft has gained an increasing level of interest in the last 30 years.

What are the design issues for solar-powered aircraft?

The paper looks into the design issues comprising of structures, systems, propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration for solar-powered aircraft. Additionally, the technological status which includes structural materials, photovoltaic systems, battery and power management systems in the case of solar aircraft, would be considered.

When was the first solar powered aircraft built?

As at 1964 the Nimbus satellite was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and powered by a solar array of 470 W . In 1974, the first solar powered aircraft, named Sunrise I, was built and flown . It had 4096 cells of 11% efficiency and produced 450 W of power.

What are the main technologies of Solar Aircraft?

The assumed technologies consist of new high power density fuel cells, high energy density batteries, superconducting motors, new materials and hardware, and innovative designs. Table 4. Technology trend of principal technologies solar aircraft. New type of fuel cell with different chemistry. Higher power densities, more efficient operation

Are solar-powered aircraft efficient?

All in all, the design optimisation for solar-powered aircraft has been to achieve low power loading while supporting high aerodynamic and propulsion efficiencies. Accessing the aircraft efficiency depends on the various system technology parameters such as propulsion, aerodynamic and structural efficiencies.

What is the future of photovoltaic technology in aviation?

The efficiency of thin film photovoltaic cells which are desirable in solar aircraft applications are predicted to reach a commercial rating of 50% by the year 2030. Advanced development of nanomaterial technology is also predicted to be aviation certified in the next 20 years.