Test and analysis of thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) for UAV application

Mohammad Gadalla; Sayem Zafar

doi:10.1117/12.2061949

7 October 2014 Test and analysis of thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) for UAV application

Mohammad Gadalla, Sayem Zafar

Proceedings Volume 9177, Thin Films for Solar and Energy Technology VI; 917704 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061949
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the performance of thin film flexible PV panels. The experimental study was conducted to simulate the performance of the panels for the conditions found during the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight in the city of Sharjah. Two 2 m and a single 1 m WaveSol Light PV panels were tested for the study. The 2 m panels are for each wing while the 1 m panel is for the horizontal stabilizer. WaveSol Light PV panels were considered for this research because of their relative light weight, high current and compatible voltage output. These PV panels also have a convenient width which can easily be mounted on the UAV wings and stabilizer. The panels were tested to measure the voltage and current over the test period of 19 minutes. A detailed parametric study was conducted to evaluate the flight duration and the performance of the UAV for regular operations. The study predicted the operational range and flight performance based on the motor power requirement, PV panel system type and fuel cell capacity. The best case scenario achieved the endurance increase of 4.5 hours while the worst case achieved an endurance of 0.4 hours.

Citation Download Citation

Mohammad Gadalla and Sayem Zafar "Test and analysis of thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) for UAV application", Proc. SPIE 9177, Thin Films for Solar and Energy Technology VI, 917704 (7 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2061949

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KEYWORDS

Unmanned aerial vehicles

Solar cells

Solar energy

Systems modeling

Thin films

Amplifiers

Photovoltaics

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