Prototype carbon fibre propeller dedicated for hybrid power unmanned aerial vehicles with MTOW up to 300kg

Abstract

The article presents concepts of a technology demonstrator of a hybrid – electric propulsion system (HEPS) for new generation of VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with a take-off weight of up to 300 kg. The motivation to undertake such works is the increasing use of heavy drones in relation to the currently produced electric drones with low payload. The main assumption of the demonstrator project was to use commercially available components. In preliminary phase of the project, a market analysis were conducted in terms of available: propellers/rotors, drive units, generators, electric motors, and energy management systems. First version of the system was designed as four-rotor system demonstrator. This article presents the design approach and test results in general. In the following chapters, authors introduce a six - rotor development version of the demonstrator. However the main focus is put on the propeller designed for the development version of the technology demonstrator. Assumptions of the new composite propeller design are shown. The paper briefly discusses aerodynamic calculations and obtained results, which were the basis for the propeller design and its manufacturing. Furthermore, the testing method of prototype propeller, test system for dynamic models and research results are presented. In conclusion authors presented encountered problems during the design and tests and obtained tests results. Moreover, further development directions are discussed.