This paper presents an analytical and experimental framework for investigating the performance of fixed-wing electrically-driven propeller aircraft. After the experimental derivation of a novel constant power discharge model for lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries, closed-form expressions for flight endurance and range are derived by equating power required in steady level flight with power supplied by the battery pack. Best endurance and best range airspeed are obtained. A methodology is also described to optimally size the battery capacity for a given set of battery and aircraft characteristics. The proposed approach is validated by application to a test case relative to a small-size unmanned aerial vehicle.
Optimal performance and sizing of a battery-powered aircraft / Avanzini, Giulio; De Angelis, Emanuele L.; Giulietti, Fabrizio. - In: AEROSPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. - ISSN 1270-9638. - 59:(2016), pp. 132-144. [10.1016/j.ast.2016.10.015]
Optimal performance and sizing of a battery-powered aircraft
AVANZINI, Giulio;
2016
Abstract
This paper presents an analytical and experimental framework for investigating the performance of fixed-wing electrically-driven propeller aircraft. After the experimental derivation of a novel constant power discharge model for lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries, closed-form expressions for flight endurance and range are derived by equating power required in steady level flight with power supplied by the battery pack. Best endurance and best range airspeed are obtained. A methodology is also described to optimally size the battery capacity for a given set of battery and aircraft characteristics. The proposed approach is validated by application to a test case relative to a small-size unmanned aerial vehicle.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
