Towards More Efficient Electric Propulsion UAV Systems Using Boundary Layer Ingestion

Abstract

The implementation of distributed propulsion and boundary layer ingestion for unmanned aerial vehicles represents various challenges for the design of embedded ducts in blended wing body configurations. This work explores the conceptual design and evaluation of DP configurations with BLI. The aerodynamic integration of each configuration is evaluated following a proposed framework, including simulation analysis. Power saving coefficient and propulsive efficiency were compared against a baseline podded case. The results show the optimal propulsion configuration for the BWB UAV obtaining 3.95% of power benefit and propulsive efficiency (ηp>80%). Indeed, the aerodynamic integration effects for the proposed design maintain the BWB’s aerodynamic efficiency, which will contribute to longer endurance and better performance.

Keywords

• aerospace engineering
• drones
• UAV
• boundary layer ingestion
• ducted fans