- #1
herpamad
- 78
- 0
I am doing a Mini-Project on the solar impulse aircraft.
http://www.solarimpulse.com/index.php
You may or may not have heard about if before, but guess you would have.
--- Aim of the project is to suggest ways to improve the project under several catagories
- Propulation
- Design/Aerodynamics
- Solar cells / Battery / Power
- Materials
- Cost
I am more mechanical, thus when it comes to things like solar cells, i am a little lost on what's the latest and greatest.
The main aim of the project (3000 words) is come up with improvements, and base it from a cost point of view.
---
I was looking at the design, and it would seem it has a fairly large cockpit, was thinking maybe this can be made smaller.
I was also looking at a similar project where the engine was deployed for power, and then stowed. Would stowing the engine decrease drag in the glide?
I am sure despite a huge team there must be improvements that can be made, but not much is sticking out to me at the moment.
So any help/hints and the likes are very welcome.
I was also thinking, even though the question has not been asked, could pilot technique play a critical role, as its just a glider, so finding thermals would give you height gain with no power required. Does anyone know what height thermals become not existent at? I have seen some amazing height records by gliders, but how much more is possible?
Thanks again =)
http://www.solarimpulse.com/index.php
You may or may not have heard about if before, but guess you would have.
--- Aim of the project is to suggest ways to improve the project under several catagories
- Propulation
- Design/Aerodynamics
- Solar cells / Battery / Power
- Materials
- Cost
I am more mechanical, thus when it comes to things like solar cells, i am a little lost on what's the latest and greatest.
The main aim of the project (3000 words) is come up with improvements, and base it from a cost point of view.
---
I was looking at the design, and it would seem it has a fairly large cockpit, was thinking maybe this can be made smaller.
I was also looking at a similar project where the engine was deployed for power, and then stowed. Would stowing the engine decrease drag in the glide?
I am sure despite a huge team there must be improvements that can be made, but not much is sticking out to me at the moment.
So any help/hints and the likes are very welcome.
I was also thinking, even though the question has not been asked, could pilot technique play a critical role, as its just a glider, so finding thermals would give you height gain with no power required. Does anyone know what height thermals become not existent at? I have seen some amazing height records by gliders, but how much more is possible?
Thanks again =)