Abstract
The development of more efficient propulsion systems for aerospace vehicles is essential to achieve key objectives. These objectives are to increase efficiency while reducing the amount of carbon-based emissions. Hybrid electric propulsion (HEP) is an ideal means to maintain the energy density of hydrocarbon-based fuels and utilize energy-efficient electric machines. A system that integrates different propulsion systems into a single system, with one being electric, is termed an HEP system. HEP systems have been studied previously and introduced into Land, Water, and Aerial Vehicles. This work presents research into the use of HEP systems in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The systems discussed in this paper are Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)–Electric Hybrid systems, ICE–Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid systems, and Fuel-Cell Hybrid systems. The improved performance characteristics in terms of fuel consumption and endurance are discussed.
Highlights
One of the ultimate goals present in the aviation industry is to operate perfectly “sustainable”aircraft to facilitate operations while reducing reliance and cost on fossil fuels
One may expect that hybrid-propulsion systems for aerospace application will develop in the same manner and become an essential entity in the aviation industry
This study has highlighted fundamental technologies to facilitate the development of long-endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
Summary
One of the ultimate goals present in the aviation industry is to operate perfectly “sustainable”aircraft to facilitate operations while reducing reliance and cost on fossil fuels. The concept of sustainability is two-fold and comprises economic sustainability and environmental sustainability To this end, the airliner of the future is likely to be an all-electric aircraft which has the capability to be autonomously operated. The airliner of the future is likely to be an all-electric aircraft which has the capability to be autonomously operated These two facets (all electric and autonomous) remove two of the most significant costs in the aviation industry, fuel and flight crew [1]. This goes towards achieving the goal of economic sustainability. One may expect that hybrid-propulsion systems for aerospace application will develop in the same manner and become an essential entity in the aviation industry
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