How Can We Design a Solar Drone with Long Duration Flight and High Payload?

In summary, solar powered drones could be used to provide internet coverage in remote areas by acting as low altitude 'geostationary' satellites. However, the current duration record for a solar drone is only 2 weeks using energy stored in batteries during the day.
  • #1
yuiop
3,962
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Recently, Facebook suggested solar powered drones could be used to provide internet coverage in remote areas and they would basically act as low altitude 'geostationary' satellites. The current duration record for a solar drone is 2 weeks using energy stored in batteries during the day, to keep the aircraft airborne overnight. http://www.barnardmicrosystems.com/UAV/milestones/solar_powered.html

What is the best way forward to design a drone that can stay up for months or even years? For example another way to store energy during the day is to gain altitude and glide overnight, eliminating the requirement for heavy and expensive batteries. I think the key parameter here is the sink rate rather than the glide ratio as the glider would have to keep itself in the air for roughly 12 hours each night without losing too much altitude.

Is wind a problem at the altitudes considered (around 50,000 ft) requiring higher wing loading and glide speed to penetrate into the winds and hold station? What other considerations are there for a long duration solar aircraft with a significant payload and requiring power to transmit internet data? Are flight durations of years feasible?
 
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  • #2
Several years ago (>15) I attended the Militky Cup event in Switzerland. One event was an informal competition for solar powered model planes of around 3m span. They were typically very marginal on performance and occasionally had difficultly maintaining height if the sun went in. No doubt things have improved since then but I bet it's still a challenge to build a small plane that can fly on the low power available.

I recall the best planes were flying wings covered in cells. They had fancy electronics including variable pitch props so that they could adjust the load presented to the cells and keep them operating close to their sweet spot. If you used your hand to cast a shadow on the cells you could see the prop pitch change!

There might be some vids on youtube but there were a lot of other competition classes as well that weren't solar powered.
 
  • #3
Photo from 1997...

solnf1.jpg
 
  • #4
CWatters said:
Photo from 1997...

Are pusher props pretty standard design for solar powered models? If so, what is the thinking behind that?
 
  • #5
yuiop said:
Are pusher props pretty standard design for solar powered models? If so, what is the thinking behind that?
It probably helps keep the center of mass in the right place, if there is no fuselage and tail.
 
  • #6
So altitude and overnight gliding or batteries for extreme duration solar drones with a realistic payload? (Or hybrid?)
 

1. What is a solar drone?

A solar drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is powered by solar energy. It uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to collect and convert sunlight into electricity, which is then used to power the drone's motors and other systems.

2. How does a solar drone work?

A solar drone works by using PV cells to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is then stored in batteries or used directly to power the drone's motors and other systems. The drone's flight is controlled by a combination of its aerodynamic design, weight, and the power of its motors.

3. What are the benefits of a solar drone?

There are several benefits to using a solar drone. Firstly, it is environmentally friendly as it does not emit any pollutants or greenhouse gases. Additionally, it can fly for longer periods of time compared to traditional drones since it does not rely on fuel. It also has lower operational costs as it does not need to be refueled. Lastly, it can access remote and inaccessible areas, making it useful for various applications such as aerial photography, surveying, and monitoring.

4. What are the challenges in designing a solar drone?

One of the main challenges in designing a solar drone is finding the right balance between weight and efficiency. The drone needs to be lightweight to maximize flight time, but it also needs to be strong enough to withstand the elements and carry the necessary equipment. Another challenge is optimizing the placement of the PV cells to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight. Additionally, the drone's design needs to be aerodynamic to reduce drag and increase efficiency.

5. What are some potential applications of a solar drone?

Solar drones have a wide range of potential applications. They can be used for aerial photography and videography, surveillance and monitoring, search and rescue operations, agriculture, and environmental research. They can also be used for communication purposes, such as providing internet access in remote areas. Additionally, solar drones can be used in disaster relief efforts to assess damage and deliver supplies to affected areas.

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