An evaluation of a PCM-based power plant for micro aerial vehicles (MAV)

Alon Lidor, Daniel Weihs, Eran Sher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

While there are many different challenges in the development of micro aerial vehicles (MAV), one of the most severe limiting factors in terms of weight is the energy storage/power system. Most of the MAVs developed to date are powered by electrochemical batteries coupled with an electric motor. In a previous study, several potential alternative energy storage/power systems were examined, evaluated for their specific energy and specific power, and compared to electrical batteries and hydrocarbon fuel storage. Additionally, the power and energy requirements of fixed wing MAV and rotary wing MAV were calculated, for comparison with the different alternatives. In the present study a novel PCM open cycle storage/power system forMAV applications is proposed, based on those requirements. It is an open cycle that utilizes the ambient temperature as its hot reservoir, thus being able to receive the required energy for the phase change from liquid to vapor. Promising initial results, in terms of specific power (45-70W/kg), specific energy (24-45W-hr/kg) and open-cycle thermo-dynamic efficiency (22-54%), are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624103438
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2015 - Kissimmee, United States
Duration: 5 Jan 20159 Jan 2015

Publication series

Name53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting

Conference

Conference53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKissimmee
Period5/01/159/01/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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