The feasibility of a solar-powered hybrid airship where lift is generated by both buoyancy and aerodynamics is investigated using aerodynamic shape optimization. The design objective is to minimize the product of envelope root chord and span (which corresponds to the size of the hangar required to house the airship), subject to constraints on the lift, the ratio of solar power produced to power consumed, the airship operational empty weight, the trim, and the static margin. Simple mass models are used to estimate the mass of airship components, including the solar array, drive train components, and envelope fabric. The optimizer has the freedom to vary the envelope section shapes, span, twist, angle of attack, and flap angle. A three-point optimization has produced a feasible envelope geometry that satisfies the design requirements at two 46    km / h cruise-speed operating conditions (each with a center-of-gravity location at either extreme of the design range) and one low-speed operating condition. The results indicate that such an aircraft, which could be well suited to operations in remote areas, is feasible with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. Sensitivity studies indicate that faster hybrid airships will become feasible with future improvements in solar panel irradiance.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Preliminary Design of a Solar-Powered Hybrid Airship


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Aircraft ; 57 , 2 ; 256-267


    Publication date :

    2020-02-19


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    HYBRID ELLIPSOIDAL AIRSHIP POWERED BY HELICOPTER

    HOOVER TIMOTHY M | European Patent Office | 2016

    Free access

    Conceptual Design of a Solar Powered Winged Hybrid Airship for Agricultural purposes

    Nambiar, Rithik R. / Gupta, Pranav / M, Manikandan | AIAA | 2023


    Nuclear powered airship

    Jurich, L. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1960


    System and method for solar-powered airship

    GOELET JOHN | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access