Design, simulation and analysis of a parallel hybrid electric propulsion system for unmanned aerial vehicles

Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has become a significant growing segment of the global aviation industry. These vehicles are developed with the intention of operating in regions where the presence of onboard human pilots is either too risky or unnecessary. Their popularity with both the military and civilian sectors have seen the use of UAVs in a diverse range of applications, from reconnaissance and surveillance tasks for the military, to civilian uses such as aid relief and monitoring tasks. Efficient energy utilisation on an UAV is essential to its functioning, often to achieve the operational goals of range, endurance and other specific mission requirements. Due to the limitations of the space available and the mass budget on the UAV, it is often a delicate balance between the onboard energy available (i.e. fuel) and achieving the operational goals. This paper presents the development of a parallel Hybrid Electric Propulsion System (HEPS) on a small fixed-wing UAV incorporating an Ideal Operating Line (IOL) control strategy. A simulation model of an UAV was developed in the MATLAB Simulink environment, utilising the AeroSim Blockset and the in-built Aerosonde UAV block and its parameters. An IOL analysis of an Aerosonde engine was performed, and the most efficient (i.e. provides greatest torque output at the least fuel consumption) points of operation for this engine were determined. Simulation models of the components in a HEPS were designed and constructed in the MATLAB Simulink environment. It was demonstrated through simulation that an UAV with the current HEPS configuration was capable of achieving a fuel saving of 6.5%, compared to the ICE-only configuration. These components form the basis for the development of a complete simulation model of a Hybrid-Electric UAV (HEUAV)

The aerospace technology laboratory (a perspective, then and now)

The physical changes that have taken place in aerospace facilities since the Wright brothers' accomplishment 78 years ago are highlighted. For illustrative purposes some of the technical facilities and operations of the NASA Lewis Research Center are described. These simulation facilities were designed to support research and technology studies in aerospace propulsion

Aeronautical Engineering. A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 156

This bibliography lists 288 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in December 1982

Rapid Prototype Development of a Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Powered by a Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System

Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPA) provide users with unique mission capabilities, particularly on-demand overhead surveillance. However, a capability gap has been identified between the range and endurance of RPAs powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) and the reduced acoustic signature and smaller logistical footprint associated with electric-powered RPAs. This research, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims at advancing systems engineering education by evaluating the utility of a tailored systems engineering approach. The tailored systems engineering approach used herein focuses on conducting a concept evaluation study on the rapid prototype development of a parallel hybrid-electric RPA (HE-RPA) and its ability to fill an identified mission capability gap. The concept evaluation utilizes a tailored systems engineering process to conduct a rapid prototype development and system evaluation. Two prototype RPAs and a support system are designed, integrated, and tested within a 13 month time window, in accordance with an established architectural framework. The integration of a parallel hybrid-electric system into an RPA demonstrated a potential reduction in acoustic signature and improves endurance over electric powered RPAs; however, immature technology and added system complexity result in overall performance that is currently on par with ICE-powered RPAs and only partially satisfies the capability gap

Specifications for modelling fuel cell and combustion-based residential cogeneration device within whole-building simulation programs

This document contains the specifications for a series of residential cogeneration device models developed within IEA/ECBCS Annex 42. The devices covered are: solid oxide and polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (SOFC and PEM), and internal combustion and Stirling engine units (ICE and SE). These models have been developed for use within whole-building simulation programs and one or more of the models described herein have been integrated into the following simulation packages: ESP-r, EnergyPlus, TRNSYS and IDA-ICE. The models have been designed to predict the energy performance of cogeneration devices when integrated into a residential building (dwelling). The models account for thermal performance (dynamic thermal performance in the case of the combustion engine models), electrochemical and combustion reactions where appropriate, along with electrical power output. All of the devices are modelled at levels of detail appropriate for whole-building simulation tools

Flight deck engine advisor

The focus of this project is on alerting pilots to impending events in such a way as to provide the additional time required for the crew to make critical decisions concerning non-normal operations. The project addresses pilots' need for support in diagnosis and trend monitoring of faults as they affect decisions that must be made within the context of the current flight. Monitoring and diagnostic modules developed under the NASA Faultfinder program were restructured and enhanced using input data from an engine model and real engine fault data. Fault scenarios were prepared to support knowledge base development activities on the MONITAUR and DRAPhyS modules of Faultfinder. An analysis of the information requirements for fault management was included in each scenario. A conceptual framework was developed for systematic evaluation of the impact of context variables on pilot action alternatives as a function of event/fault combinations

Hybrid vehicles: a temporary step

The presented paper discusses the diffusion of hybrid electric technology in vehicles. It is put into question whether the current strong acceptance of the technology especially by US consumers is of sustainable nature. Therefore, different variables influencing the diffusion of the technology are presented and their influence on the market analyzed. It is found that non-financial criteria drive consumers' buying decisions significantly.The article also presents an overview of company strategies in the field of OEMs and suppliers of hybrid electric components. It is found that most companies integrate hybrid electric vehicles in their technology portfolio. It is concluded that even though hybrid electric technology can not yet being applied profitably yet it seems to be a key technology to the industry due to its current positive perception in the US. However, diesel technology and the intelligent use of cost efficient measures to reduce fuel consumption provide sustainable alternatives.automobile; hybrid technology; innovation; strategy

Analysis of the strategies for managing extended-range electric vehicle powertrain in the urban driving cycle

Introduction. An Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) is a type of electric vehicle that uses an additional internal combustion engine (ICE) to charge the battery in order to provide the vehicle with a greater range than in electric only mode. Purpose. Analysis and comparison of the performance of EREV powertrain managed according to three control strategies: pure electric mode, hybrid mode with ICE constantly working, and hybrid mode with ICE working only at high power demand. Methods. The tests were carried out using a laboratory test stand that represented the structure of EREV powertrain. Liquefied petroleum gas was used as a fuel to supply the ICE. The test conditions were defined by a special driving cycle simulating urban driving. Results. Time series plots of selected parameters of electric motor, electrochemical battery pack, range extender generator and active load system. Practical value. Among the considered control strategies of EREV powertrain, the energy balance of the electrochemical battery is negative for a purely electric mode, significantly positive for continuous range extenders (REXs) operation mode and moderately positive for the mode with REX activation only in dynamic states.Вступ. Електромобіль зі збільшеним запасом ходу (ЕЗЗХ) – це тип електромобіля, який використовує додатковий двигун внутрішнього згоряння (ДВЗ) для заряджання акумулятора, щоб забезпечити транспортний засіб більшим запасом ходу, ніж у режимі лише на електричному ходу. Мета. Аналіз та порівняння ефективності силової передачі ЕЗЗХ, керованої відповідно до трьох стратегій управління: чисто електричний режим, гібридний режим з постійно працюючим ДВЗ та гібридний режим з ДВЗ, що працює тільки при високому споживанні потужності. Методи. Випробування проводилися на лабораторному стенді, що представляє собою конструкцію силової передачі ЕЗЗХ. Скраплений газ використовувався як паливо для живлення ДВЗ. Умови випробувань визначалися спеціальним циклом водіння, що імітує водіння в умовах міста. Результати. Графіки часових рядів вибраних параметрів електродвигуна, електрохімічної акумуляторної батареї, генератора-розширювача діапазону та системи активного навантаження. Практична цінність. Серед розглянутих стратегій керування силовою установкою ЕЗЗХ, баланс енергії електрохімічної батареї негативний для чисто електричного режиму, суттєво позитивний для режиму роботи розширювачів діапазону (РД) та помірно позитивний для режиму з активацією РД лише у динамічних станах

The role for Federal R & D on alternative automotive power systems

Report submitted to the Office of Energy R & D Policy, National Science Foundatio