The Evaluation of an Electric Hybrid Power System for the High Endurance Drone

Abstract

This research shows the test performance of a 6 kW-scale hybrid electric power system for the high endurance drone. The power system is composed of a two-stroke reciprocal engine, starter-generator and battery, and they are integrated as one power unit. The engine is designed to provide the house for holding the starter-generator at the end of a crankshaft in turn the engine and starter-generator can maintain the same speed during the operational period. In this way, the generated power is readily controlled by just manipulating an engine throttle movement. Moreover, the starter-generator can initiate an engine operation with an aid of battery power until the combustion process becomes stabilized. In consequence, integration mechanism between an engine and generator is simplified, which results in weight reduction achieved. The duty of back-up battery is to provide a starting power to generator via a system controller in addition to covering momentarily power shortage. Therefore, the electric power system is vindicated to provide 6 kW power through a ground test.