Technological development trends in Solar‐powered Aircraft Systems

G. Abbe and H. Smith

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2016, vol. 60, issue C, 770-783

Abstract: Key issues relating to the past, current and upcoming technologies of solar-powered aircraft are reviewed with the intent to assess the technology trend and offer a prediction for the next decade. The paper looks into the design issues comprising of structures, systems, propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration for solar-powered aircraft. Additionally, the technological status which includes structural materials, photovoltaic systems, battery and power management systems in the case of solar aircraft, would be considered. Finally, technology trend issues would be assessed summarizing into a predictive outlook. The applicable technologies in the design of solar powered aircraft has evolved over the years, hence an overview is presented.

Keywords: Solar-powered aircraft; Renewable energy; Technology trend; Photovoltaic; Battery; Fuel cell (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.01.053

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