How A Solar-powered Plane Works

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How A Solar-powered Plane Works
How A Solar-powered Plane Works

Video: How A Solar-powered Plane Works

Video: How A Solar-powered Plane Works
Video: Circling the Globe in a Solar-Powered Plane 2024, April
Anonim

The aircraft of the new generation Solar Impuls, whose engine is literally powered by sunlight, was invented in Switzerland. The batteries on the wings of the aircraft store the energy of the sun and, using photovoltaic converters, generate a current that starts the engine. Since the plane flies above the clouds, it can take a very long flight during the day. After all, he draws energy directly from the air.

How a solar-powered plane works
How a solar-powered plane works

Necessary

monoplane aircraft, solar batteries, photoconverters, lithium-polymer batteries, electric motor, sunlight

Instructions

Step 1

The aircraft is 21, 85 meters long, height - 6, 4 m, wingspan 53, 4 m, weight - 1, 6 tons, the outer panels of which are made of carbon composites, equip with an electric drive. Install four 10-horsepower motors on it, which are powered by electric current.

Step 2

On the surface of the wings of the machine, in the area of the horizontal tail, place 12,000 solar cells. It is better to make the cells of monocrystalline silicon, the thickness of which should not exceed 130 microns. They will be part of the wing plane and will be able to bend in flight with it.

How a solar-powered plane works
How a solar-powered plane works

Step 3

Place 880 photovoltaic converters on the horizontal tail of the aircraft. They will convert solar energy into electricity.

Step 4

Install the casting polymer batteries on the machine. They are necessary in order to store energy and provide engine operation at night.

Step 5

Batteries absorb sunlight. Photovoltaic converters convert it into current, which is electrically fed to the motor. It works and ensures the flight of the aircraft. Some of the energy is stored in lithium polymer batteries. It will come in handy if you need to fly in the dark.

Step 6

If the flight takes at least a day, then choose the following strategy. During the day, climb by plane. While there is solar energy, climb 8500 m. As dusk falls, begin to gradually descend. The decline will take about three hours. This will save stored energy. Then turn on the batteries and start climbing. They should have enough energy until the sun rises. When the sun is up, disconnect the power supply and use the energy from the sunlight.

Step 7

When planning your flight, plan your time. Such an aircraft does not belong to high-speed ones. Its takeoff speed is only 35 km / h, and its cruising speed is 70 km / h.

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