POWERPLANT SYSTEM DESIGN FOR UNMANNED TRICOPTER

Abstract

In this article components of powerplant system for an electrically powered unmanned tricopter is designed in order obtain safe and performable autonomous tricopter flight. Electricity is the most environmental friendly energy form. Components used in propulsion systems for a unique tricopter with rotating wing unmanned aerial vehicle that use it as electrical energy source are: propellers, motors, ESC’s (i.e Engine Speed Controller) and battery. The battery stores electricity. The storage capacity of the battery is most important factor which affecting the tricopter’s flying time but the more battery storage capacity as well as more battery weight. If the weight of tricopter is excessive, more thrust must be produced so that the movement capacity not restricted. ESC adjusts the rotation speed of the motor according to the signals received from the rc receiver and the thrust power of the tricopter is adjusted. Motors are the main factor in generating thrust power. The torque of the motor is also important parameter as much as the motor rotation speed (RPM) so that the desired thrust power can be generated. Powerless or low torque motor can heat up and break down when turn the propeller. The last component of thrust system is propeller moves the air. Propeller which is connected the moving part of motor, pushes the air from leading edge of the propeller to trailing edge for generate a thrust power. The most important factors affecting thrust power are length, pitch and RPM of propeller and forward flight speed. Other factors are like air temperature, air pressure, propeller’s angle of attack and density of air.

Keywords

• UAV,ESC,electric motor,propeller

References

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