A Note on Glider Electric Propulsion Francisco Leme Galv˜ao Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (retired) Sao˜ Jose´ dos Campos, SP, 12242-840 Brasil
[email protected] Abstract This work presents the aerodynamic effects of installing a non-retractable electric regenerative propulsion system in a typical Standard Class glider. The propulsion system, including the weight for batteries and power available are estimated using a comparison with existing electric propelled gliders. The thrust available, the additional drag during free-wind milling, and the possible power extraction are estimated. This data is used to determine the performance of a glider during gliding flight, powered flight, and while regenerating electrical power. The conclusion is that a Standard Class glider with a 1.9 meter diameter two-bladed variable pitch propeller that is driven by an electrical 25 kW motor mounted in a fixed pylon, leads to a quite interesting, safe and reliable electric motor glider that is suitable for club and cross country flight training. Nomenclature W Maximum glider weight b Wing span We Empty glider weight β c Airfoil chord Propeller blade pitch angle δ Variable increment CD Parasite drag coefficient 0 ρ Air density CDn Frontal area drag coefficient CP Power coefficient CT Trust coefficient Introduction D Drag, Propeller diameter e Oswald factor The use of battery fed electric propulsion in gliders, either f Equivalent flat-plate drag area for take-off assistance or for flight sustaining is increasing due g Gravity acceleration to some advantages that electrical motors have in comparison L/D Max. gliding ratio to the internal combustion engines (ICE) represented by their n Motor or propeller rotation in rps lower noise, lower direct operational costs, higher reliability, P Motor power and higher confidence levels in out landings.