Development of solar power modules for solar UAV

• Main Author: Phua, Jason Wee Kiat
• Other Authors: Ng Heong Wah
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/61585
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report serves as a documentation of the author’s work on the Solar Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) project, during his final year of study at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). This project is a collaboration between NTU and Defence Science Organisation (DSO) to develop a solar UAV, which is capable of at least 24 hours of continuous flight. The author is part of the Solar Energy team, which comprised of 4 members. The team was responsible for developing a solar power system that had to efficiently meet the energy needs and yet, still be weight effective. The report details the configuration of the solar cells, in a manner that most efficiently maximized solar cell coverage of the wing and tail surfaces. The mass calculations and encapsulation methods of the solar modules are also included. Mass calculations and the selection of suitable encapsulation for the solar modules were especially crucial, as it was imperative that the weight did not exceed the set limit. Sub-zero temperature tests of the Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) were also conducted to ensure the functionality of these components at high altitudes during flight. The methodolgoies and results of the test are included in this report.