SOLAR-POWERED AIRCRAFT DESIGN

Abstract

Beginning with the present state-of-the-art in cost-efficient solar technology, optimization of a solar-powered aircraft has shown possibilities of this new technique. The following developments have improved solar-flight technology:  high-precision aircraft construction of minimum weight; integration of the solar cells in the upper wing surface without aerodynamic or other losses; high-efficiency drive and propulsion system with variable pitch propeller, automatically controlled to attain maximum photovoltaic power output; a buffer battery of high power output for safe take-off and difficult flight incidents. All these features have already been successfully tested on a model aircraft. A design proposal will be presented involv­ing a high-efficiency solar powered aircraft with 25m wing­ span capable of taking off and climbing up to an altitude of  450m equipped with a buffer battery. Above this altitude, the aircraft is to fly and climb up further (up to 0.45m/sec.) by solar power alone.