Flare - A solar powered plane

On its construction and control

Bachelor thesis (2019)

Authors

C. Cromjongh Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
A.W.J. Rietveld Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Contributors

O. Isabella Photovoltaic Materials and Devices - EEMCS (supervisor 1)
M. Popov Intelligent Electrical Power Grids - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
G.R. Chandra Mouli DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage - EEMCS (supervisor 1)
J. Bastemeijer Electronic Instrumentation - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright: © 2019 Casper Cromjongh, Jasper Rietveld
Control UAV Solar PV RC plane Airplane Construction
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Published Date

03-07-2019

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

This BSc Thesis is about the construction and control elements of the airplane group of the Solar Drone project. The project aims to improve the flight time of aerial vehicles, using solar energy. This document is delves into the possibility of applying solar cells to small model aircrafts. It outlines the challenges and solutions involved in building and controlling such a system. A ready-available airframe and fitting components will be used, in combination with a custom photo-voltaic and energy system, to create a prototype. The prototype takes the form of an unmanned aerial vehicle, making it capable of extended flights without requiring extensive monitoring. It will serve as a testing platform for the performance of the PV modifications done to the aircraft.

Included in this document are simulations for calculating optimal solar panel placement inside a transparent wing with opaque ribs, in addition to software and hardware modifications that were required to make the other systems work well in combination with the custom energy system.