Ultra-Light Photovoltaic Embedded Structures for Solar-Powered Aircrafts

Abstract:

This work evaluated a new ultra-light photovoltaic embedded structure for solar-powered aircrafts, in which the mono-crystalline silicon (m-Si) solar cells encapsulated by epoxy were adhesively bonded to the upper wing skin made of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). To evaluate the effect on the cell encapsulation, static tests were carried out. The results showed that the encapsulated cells had better flexibility. The bonded-point and multi-cell models for the embedded structure were analyzed by FEA software. As the number of the bonded points increasing, the stress and deformation of the embedded structure decreased; once exceeded 16 points, the stress and deformation changed little. The deformation of the non-reinforced multi-cell model was very large; the stiffness improved greatly after reinforced by the glass fiber ribbons.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 311-313)
• Pages: 15-19
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.311-313.15
• Online since: August 2011
• Authors: Li Zhang, Lei Jiang Yao, Jing Shen Wang, Bin Li, Xiao Yan Tong
• Keywords: Glass Fiber Ribbon, Solar Cell, Solar-Powered Aircraft, Ultra-Light Embedded Structure

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