Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Authors' Class Standing
Joseph Gunther, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Joseph Gunther
Faculty Mentor Name
Hever Moncayo
Abstract
Fuel limitations are currently the largest obstacle for obtaining perpetual flight of all aircraft. Power beaming using a high-powered laser to an optimized Variable Multi-Junction (VMJ) cell array fixed to an electric aircraft is a possible solution. This research focused on the early stages of the practicality and design of an electric UAV powered by a remote power source and controlled with a pixhawk flight control system. The UAV in question, to remain feasible for low-budget testing, was assumed to have an operable range of 500 meters, with optimization of the power to lift ratio at the cost of maneuverability and ruggedness. This project consists of two stages, the first being mathematical proofs and the second being the design and coding of a centering array to be mounted to a drone which can be integrated with a pixhawk control system. With the most advanced technologies and generous error margins, perpetual flight to a low-power UAV is mathematically possible. The second stage drew designs for a targeting array and 3D printed mock-ups to be used in further expansions of the project.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Beamed Power Transmission to Low-Altitude UAV - Phase 1
Fuel limitations are currently the largest obstacle for obtaining perpetual flight of all aircraft. Power beaming using a high-powered laser to an optimized Variable Multi-Junction (VMJ) cell array fixed to an electric aircraft is a possible solution. This research focused on the early stages of the practicality and design of an electric UAV powered by a remote power source and controlled with a pixhawk flight control system. The UAV in question, to remain feasible for low-budget testing, was assumed to have an operable range of 500 meters, with optimization of the power to lift ratio at the cost of maneuverability and ruggedness. This project consists of two stages, the first being mathematical proofs and the second being the design and coding of a centering array to be mounted to a drone which can be integrated with a pixhawk control system. With the most advanced technologies and generous error margins, perpetual flight to a low-power UAV is mathematically possible. The second stage drew designs for a targeting array and 3D printed mock-ups to be used in further expansions of the project.