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Modelling and Experimental Validation of a Hybrid Electric Propulsion System for Light Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author

Listed:
  • Massimo Cardone

    (Department of Chemical, Material, and Production Engineering, Engineering Faculty, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

  • Bonaventura Gargiulo

    (Department of Chemical, Material, and Production Engineering, Engineering Faculty, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

  • Enrico Fornaro

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Engineering Faculty, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

This article presents a numerical model of an aeronautical hybrid electric propulsion system (HEPS) based on an energy method. This model is designed for HEPS with a total power of 100 kW in a parallel configuration intended for ultralight aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The model involves the interaction between the internal combustion engine (ICE), the electric motor (EM), the lithium battery and the aircraft propeller. This paper also describes an experimental setup that can reproduce some flight phases, or entire missions, for the reference aircraft class. The experimental data, obtained by reproducing two different take-offs, were used for model validation. The model can also simulate anomalous operating conditions. Therefore, the tests chosen for the model validation are characterized by the EM flux weakening (“de-fluxing”). This model is particularly suitable for preliminary stages of design when it is necessary to characterize the hybrid system architecture. Moreover, this model helps with the choice of the main components (e.g., ICE, EM, and transmission gear ratio). The results of the investigation conducted for different battery voltages and EM transmission ratios are shown for the same mission. Despite the highly simplified model, the average margin of error between the experimental and simulated results was generally under 5%.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo Cardone & Bonaventura Gargiulo & Enrico Fornaro, 2021. "Modelling and Experimental Validation of a Hybrid Electric Propulsion System for Light Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:13:p:3969-:d:587186
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sliwinski, Jacob & Gardi, Alessandro & Marino, Matthew & Sabatini, Roberto, 2017. "Hybrid-electric propulsion integration in unmanned aircraft," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(P2), pages 1407-1416.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ryszard Palka & Kamil Cierzniewski & Marcin Wardach & Pawel Prajzendanc, 2023. "Research on Innovative Hybrid Excited Synchronous Machine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Paolo Iodice & Enrico Fornaro & Massimo Cardone, 2022. "Hybrid Propulsion in SI Engines for New Generation Motorcycles: A Numerical-Experimental Approach to Assess Power Requirements and Emission Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-13, August.

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