A methodology for multirotor aircraft power budget analysis
| Autor: | Federico Barra, Giorgio Guglieri, Matteo Scanavino |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Computer science
Innovative multirotor vehicle Performance Urban air mobility Aerospace Engineering Context (language use) ComputerApplications_COMPUTERSINOTHERSYSTEMS 02 engineering and technology Innovative multirotor vehicles 010402 general chemistry 01 natural sciences Power budget 620: Ingenieurwesen Automotive engineering law.invention Takeoff and landing law EVTOL aircraft Aerospace Performance Air-Taxi EVTOL aircraft Innovative multirotor vehicles Power budget analysis Urban mobility Urban mobility business.industry Rotor (electric) 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology Sizing 0104 chemical sciences Power (physics) Power budget analysis 0210 nano-technology business Multirotor Air-Taxi |
| Popis: | Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to analyse the performance of multirotor unmanned aircraft system platforms for passenger transport and compare them with an ordinary helicopter solution. This study aims to define a standard procedure for power budget analysis of unconventional vehicles recently proposed in the aerospace industry, providing guidelines on rotor sizing in terms of required power and the total number of rotors. The ultimate purpose of the proposed work is to describe a methodology for power estimation with regard to emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) vehicles. Design/methodology/approach In the context of urban mobility, short-range passenger transport between critical hubs in cities is taken into account and innovative aircraft and traditional helicopters are compared according to a common mission profile. The power budget equations used in the helicopter literature are revisited to consider different multirotor configurations (up to 20 rotors) and evaluate the feasibility of innovative aerospace vehicle design. Findings The paper includes insights into the maximum number of rotors that ensure a significative, relative power reduction compared to helicopter platforms (the power-to-cruise over power-to-hover ratio appears to be improved). Based on this preliminary analysis, the results suggest the benefit of reducing the installed rotors to avoid excessive power loss in forward flight. Practical implications The proposed study provides guidelines for further design considerations and the future development of EVTOL multirotor aircraft. Originality/value This paper fulfils the identified need for a systematic approach on performance analysis for innovative vehicles involved in commercial applications. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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