Application of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide photovoltaic cells to extend the endurance and capabilities of the Raven RQ-11B Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
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Authors
Coba, Javier V.
Subjects
Advisors
Michael, Sherif
Date of Issue
2010-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Prior thesis work has demonstrated the possibility of extending the flight time of military Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAV) by 200% with the implementation of thinfilm photovoltaic (TFPV) cells. In this thesis, we investigate how thin-film photovoltaic cells, made out of Copper Indium Gallium Di-Selenide (CIGS) semiconductor materials and mounted on the wings of the Raven RQ-11B SUAV, provide sufficient electrical power to fully operate the UAV for extended periods of time. This research focuses on extending the flight time of the Raven RQ-11B and on minimizing its sole dependence on lithium-ion batteries. This research will also demonstrate that increasing the size of the wings, adding a DC to DC power converter, and using a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) will enable the Raven RQ-11B to keep its lithium-ion battery charging continuously, while operating under varying daylight conditions. Additionally, this research will investigate the advantage of enabling systems on the ground to "self-charge." This will enable tactical units to operate in any field, to include areas where power sources are unavailable.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Electrical Engineering
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xxii, 129 p. : ill. (chiefly col.) ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.