Distributed Electric Propulsion For Aerodynamic Efficiency and Control

电力驱动的推进器在航空航天工业中的应用正在迅速增长。由于它们的体积小，电力驱动的推进器通常被组装成一个阵列，称为分布式电力推进（DEP）系统。DEP系统可以提供推进所需的推力，并通过气动-推进耦合改善飞行器的空气动力学。电动螺旋桨更快的响应时间也可以用于推力矢量和机动飞行器。拟议的研究项目由无人机应用动力公司和阿尔伯塔大学合作开发，评估无人机（UAV）上DEP系统的性能和功效。我们将在配备模块化DEP系统的无人机机翼风洞模型上进行实验研究。DEP系统的位置和速度对机翼-DEP组合整体性能的影响将被仔细研究。调查还将评估使用DEP系统操纵车辆。最后，我们将获得使用称为粒子图像测速的流量测量技术的航空推进耦合的基本理解。该项目的最终结果是一套更高效、飞行距离更远的无人机设计指南。这可以帮助使用无人机的各种应用，包括但不限于采矿、野火监测和执法。在这个项目中获得的知识和开发的技术将有助于加拿大航空航天工业的发展。

The use of electrically driven propulsors in the aerospace industry is rapidly growing. Due to their small size, electrically driven propulsors are often assembled in an array known as a distributed electric propulsion (DEP) system. The DEP system can provide the required thrust for propulsion and improve vehicle aerodynamics through aero-propulsion coupling. The faster response-time of electric propellers can also be used for thrust vectoring and maneuvering the vehicle.The proposed research project, developed from the partnership between Unmanned Vehicle Applied Dynamics Inc. and the University of Alberta, evaluates the performance and efficacy of a DEP system on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). We will perform an experimental study on a wind tunnel model of a UAV wing equipped with a modular DEP system. The effect of the location and speed of the DEP system on the overall performance of the wing-DEP combination will be scrutinized. The investigation will also evaluate the use of the DEP system for maneuvering the vehicle. Lastly, we will obtain a fundamental understanding of the aero-propulsive coupling using a flow measurement technique known as particle image velocimetry. The final outcome of this project is a set of design guidelines for UAVs that are more efficient and have a longer flight range. This can help various applications that use UAVs including, but not limited to mining, wildfire monitoring, and law enforcement. The knowledge gained and the technology developed in this project will contribute to the growth of the Canadian aerospace industry.