Design of solar-powered aircraft

Image source

Hello friends, this time I want to share with you my thoughts about how advanced the technology is in relation to energy supply for the most updated transport today. In this case they create a design of an airplane that recharge it with solar energy, this would be very beneficial given the high consumption of energy such as gasoline, let's see the considerations about this technology.

The aircraft is powered by 22 square meters of solar cells with an efficiency of up to 24% and 14 kWh of lithium-ion batteries. According to its creators, it can reach an altitude of 25,000 meters.
^{Source of textual quotation}

It shows that the aircraft is designed with a certain percentage of efficiency in the solar energy load, the important thing is that in turn provides the altitude that can be reached with the energy supplied, since the higher the altitude logically will require more fuel (solar energy KWh).

How large is the aircraft and how is it structured?

Called Solarstratos, the aircraft measures 8.5 m in length and 24.8 m in wingspan and has a total weight of 450 kg. It is covered with 22m2 of solar panels totaling 5 kW that power an electric motor connected to lithium-ion batteries to ensure its operation.
^{Source of textual quotation}

It is logical to think that an aircraft that is designed to operate with solar energy should have an adequate weight and size to be able to have a minimum energy expenditure and at the same time be able to have an efficiency in flight that allows it to compete with traditional aircraft with conventional fuel.

Generalized considerations

It is not easy to reach an altitude of 25,000 meters with a design such as this aircraft, however the design of the aircraft is elaborated in such a way that the aircraft is powered by a three-bladed propeller, and this in turn is powered by a 2×19 kW dual electric motor that is powered entirely by solar energy.

It is a design where the mechanical configuration of the aircraft is elaborated so that the energy supplied to the aircraft can be sufficient to reach the altitude of 25000 meters.

This airplane is designed to fulfill the purpose of a specific project, the airplane together with the project has the name of SolarStratos. This airplane will remain in the stratosphere for a certain time, at least until it achieves the objectives for which it was elaborated.

The important thing about this project is that it has this aircraft with innovative technology, especially considering that in this case the sun will be a friend and not an enemy for the fulfillment of the project.

Conclusion

It is certainly an innovative technology, however, many of us may think that it has limitations, since the aircraft will depend on the climatic conditions of the area where it flies, as it is powered by solar energy.

However, due to the innovative nature of the technology, it is important to highlight more the points in favor than the points against, since this may be the beginning to work on the expansion of solar energy as a power source as fuel for all air, sea and land transportation.

Reference consulted

Design of solar-powered aircraft expected to reach stratosphere