Indian Journal of Science and Technology

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Feasibility Study of Using Flexible Solar Panels for Powered-Parachute Flying Vehicles


Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
 

Objectives: To assess the potential of using the flexible solar cells to provide the powered parachute vehicles (PPC) with the necessary power for cruise flight. Methods/Analysis: The power required for a typical PPC with three different types of flexible solar cells was determined based on the actuator disk theory. The necessary area and mass of the solar cells needed to generate the required power are also determined. Findings: It was found that the available solar cells in the market can be used to cover the PPC parafoil and generate the required power. However, there is a trade-off between the efficiency, flexibility, and cost of the solar cells. Application/Improvement: The proposed idea of covering the parafoil’s surface with solar cells, with the aim of increasing the endurance of the PPC vehicles, was found to be feasible. This technology can be adopted for military and civilian applications.
User

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  • Feasibility Study of Using Flexible Solar Panels for Powered-Parachute Flying Vehicles

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Authors

Hanafy M. Omar
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Saad M. Mukras
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz S. Alaboodi
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract


Objectives: To assess the potential of using the flexible solar cells to provide the powered parachute vehicles (PPC) with the necessary power for cruise flight. Methods/Analysis: The power required for a typical PPC with three different types of flexible solar cells was determined based on the actuator disk theory. The necessary area and mass of the solar cells needed to generate the required power are also determined. Findings: It was found that the available solar cells in the market can be used to cover the PPC parafoil and generate the required power. However, there is a trade-off between the efficiency, flexibility, and cost of the solar cells. Application/Improvement: The proposed idea of covering the parafoil’s surface with solar cells, with the aim of increasing the endurance of the PPC vehicles, was found to be feasible. This technology can be adopted for military and civilian applications.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.17485/ijst%2F2018%2Fv11i21%2F122895