Indian Journal of Science and Technology
DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2018/v11i21/122895
Year: 2018, Volume: 11, Issue: 21, Pages: 1-9
Original Article
Hanafy M. Omar* , Saad M. Mukras and Abdulaziz S. Alaboodi
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia; [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
*Author for correspondence
Hanafy M. Omar,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
Objectives: To assess the potential of using the flexible solar cells to provide the powered parachute vehicles (PPC) with the necessary power for cruise flight. Methods/Analysis: The power required for a typical PPC with three different types of flexible solar cells was determined based on the actuator disk theory. The necessary area and mass of the solar cells needed to generate the required power are also determined. Findings: It was found that the available solar cells in the market can be used to cover the PPC parafoil and generate the required power. However, there is a trade-off between the efficiency, flexibility, and cost of the solar cells. Application/Improvement: The proposed idea of covering the parafoil’s surface with solar cells, with the aim of increasing the endurance of the PPC vehicles, was found to be feasible. This technology can be adopted for military and civilian applications.
Keywords: Parafoil, Paraglider, Powered Parachute, Solar, Solar Powered
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