Design of Solar Powered and Fatigue Durable Quadcopter

Abstract

This paper features a new concept design of mini-quadcopter consisting of two types of power source systems. The solar type of power source and rechargeable lithium battery type of power source systems. The quadcopter design introduced showcases the extensive usefulness of solar cells on aircrafts. The title is “SPFD quadcopter”, the SPFD stand for “solar powered fatigue durable” quadcopter. the quadcopter in question is designed to be powered by 40 solar thin film cells rated at 1.5v per panel. A fatigue analysis is conducted in its arm structures that offer support to the four mounted brushless motors responsible for driving the propellers that produce sufficient thrust to provide lift. By use of the “ANSYS” designing and simulating program, the carried out analysis shows the level of deformation in the arms due to the weight of the entire craft which tends to rest on the arms when the quadcopter is in flight. A fatigue structure analysis was considered necessary, to take appropriate precautions in both early stages of design and choice of material, to prevent premature structure failure in the field. Our objective of this paper is generally to show case the use of flexible solar cells as the source of power for providing power to the motors with the capability of charging the lithium battery during flight when being operated in battery mode. this new type of UAV can be used for military and civilian needs, surveillance and even space operations such as being set as a satellite to provide signal for internet back to earth.