MSc Project
MSc Project
Investigation of  High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Aircraft Performance through High-Power-Density Solar Panels
This project investigates the integration of high-power-density flexible solar panels into HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) aircraft to improve endurance, payload capacity, and overall efficiency. It focuses on the aerodynamic performance of NACA airfoils (4 and 6 series) using STAR-CCM+ CFD simulations and evaluates the practical benefits of advanced silicon heterojunction solar cell technology.
Explore the impact of flexible solar panels on HALE aircraft performance.
Simulate and analyze airflow over selected NACA airfoils using STAR-CCM+.
Assess power-to-weight ratio, range, and endurance improvements using upgraded solar technology.
Software: STAR-CCM+ (for CFD simulations)
Airfoils: NACA 4412 (4-series) and NACA 633418 (6-series)
Solar Tech: Flexible silicon heterojunction solar cells
Reference Aircraft: Solar Impulse 2
Using high-efficiency, thin solar cells increased the power-to-weight ratio to 1.9 W/g.
STAR-CCM+ simulations showed better aerodynamic performance in NACA 6 series foils due to extended laminar flow.
Simulation and energy modeling projected a noticeable increase in endurance and payload for HALE aircraft with upgraded solar panels.
Click here for my comprehensive report on my MSc final-year project.