• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.50-58
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• 2016

In our preceding study, we reported that the use of light, composite-material wings in long-endurance Solar-Powered UAVs is a critical factor. Ribs are critical components of wings, which prevent buckling and torsion of the wing skin. This study was undertaken to design and manufacture optimal composite ribs. The ribs were manufactured by applying laminated-layer patterns and shapes, considering the anisotropic properties of the composite material. Through the finite element analysis using the MSC Patran/Nastran, the maximum load and the displacement shape were identified. Based on the study results measured by structural tests, we present an optimal design of ribs.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.11a
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• pp.55.2-55.2
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• 2011

This research aims to study the effects of the incidence angle and surface temperature on the power generation performance of a thin-film CIGS solar cell for solar powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The test rig consists of a unit CIGS solar cell is installed on a table whose angle is controlled manually. A K-type thermocouple is attached to the solar cell surface for temperature measurements. A solar module analyzer measures the voltage and current generated from the test solar cell. The solar module analyzer also calculates the maximum solar power and efficiency of the solar cell. All test data are acquired in a PC. Test results show that the solar cell efficiency decreases significantly with increasing incidence angle and increasing surface temperature in general. As the incidence angle increases from 0 degree to 90 degree, the solar cell efficiency decreases by 60%. The solar cell efficiency decreases by 10% with increasing solar cell surface temperature from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$, for exmaple. The direct cooling method of the solar cell using dry ice decreases dramatically the solar cell surface temperature, thus increasing the solar cell efficiency by 15%.