Is It Possible to Design a Solar-Powered Helicopter?

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    Helicopter Solar
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of designing a solar-powered helicopter, focusing on the technical challenges, power requirements, and potential materials. Participants explore various aspects including energy generation from solar panels, weight considerations, and comparisons with existing aircraft technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the power requirements for helicopters, noting that a typical helicopter like the Blackhawk requires around 1,000 to 1,500 shaft horsepower, which they argue cannot be met by solar panels.
  • Another suggests researching different helicopter models and their specifications to determine the necessary engine power and the area of solar panels required to generate that power.
  • Some participants mention that while solar-powered aircraft exist, they are not designed for personal transport and have different applications.
  • There is a suggestion that redesigning a helicopter specifically for solar power might be more feasible than converting an existing model.
  • Concerns are raised about the aerodynamic impact of solar panels on a helicopter and the limited surface area available for mounting them.
  • One participant proposes that an unmanned helicopter might have a better chance of being powered by solar energy compared to a manned version.
  • Another participant discusses the possibility of using solar panels to recharge batteries for an R/C helicopter, suggesting that while it may not work for full-sized helicopters, it could be feasible for smaller models.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the practicality of a solar-powered helicopter, citing issues with weight, power generation, and energy stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the concept of a solar-powered helicopter is highly improbable, though some express a willingness to explore the idea further under specific conditions. There is no consensus on whether it could be designed effectively, with multiple competing views on the feasibility and practicality of such a project.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the energy density of solar panels, the weight of necessary components, and the aerodynamic challenges posed by mounting solar panels on a helicopter. The discussion also reflects varying assumptions about the capabilities of solar technology in aviation.

  • #31
russ_watters said:
Airplanes have a lot more surface area than helicopters. Apachee, try to think about where you would even put solar panels on a helicopter: by their very nature, they don't have a lot of horizontal surfaces except for the rotor.

If there is still time, you may want to consider looking for a different project.

more about weight than it's about surface area
 
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  • #32
jgeating said:
more about weight than it's about surface area

The more surface area the more room for panels. You can have the lightest aircraft going, but it's the surface area available for panels that matters.
Sum1 said:
Sorry, it can be done and it will (with current panels) - a properly designed one. Just wait and you'll see.

You're joking right?

'Current panels' installed locally provide 2.6kW on a perfect day and take up 8m2 weighing ~500kg.

Good luck getting a helicopter to work with those 'current panels'.

Utilising ground effect can hardly be considered a helicopter.
 

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