Browse Topic: Off-board energy sources
Autonomous Inspection via small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) is increasingly utilized across industrial use cases such as inspection of bridges, buildings, construction sites, roadways, transmission lines, pipes, wind turbines and power systems (1). In principle, the system workflow of inspection; identification and characterization of defects; and mapping in space is very similar across industries. Boeing and Proxim (A Near Earth Autonomy Company) have partnered to pursue this technology in the Aerospace and Defense industry for General Visual Inspection (GVI) of airframes predominantly in a maintenance setting. This activity began by deploying Proxim’s Autonomous Aircraft Inspection (AAI) technology and Boeing's Automated Damage Detection Software (ADDS) on Boeing C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. It has expanded to offer U.S. Department of War (DoW) and Commercial customers aircraft-agnostic enhanced exterior GVI capability at point of need by leveraging unique ADDS AI algorithm in support of both home station and deployed operations. This paper gives an overview to industry developments in Autonomous Inspection, and the development AAI/ADDS technologies.
The present work focuses on the sizing and analysis of a parallel hybrid propulsion architecture for a conventional rotary light Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the 200kg class. First, the design methodology is outlined, with an emphasis on the optimization of the battery pack, which is one of the most crucial component of the whole powertrain. The sizing approach is applied to a wide range of thermal and electric power ratios, as well as two distinct hybridization strategies, to investigate the broad design space and discover possible sweet spots. For this aim, the various design points are then evaluated in terms of impact on aircraft capabilities, considering both extensive and intensive performance. Hence, the results provide the main advantages and disadvantages, performance wise, of the hybrid propulsion in comparison to a conventional full thermal solution.
Propeller driven rotors utilize propellers on the main rotor blade to spin the rotor. Past research efforts have highlighted dynamic issues that arise from the rotor-propeller Coriolis interaction. For this paper, a comprehensive multi-body analysis methodology, called Elastic Rotorcraft Analysis (ERA), was applied to various propeller driven rotor datasets. The focus of the modeling effort was on propeller driven rotor twirl phenomenon, which arises from rotor-propeller inertial couplings interacting with rotor blade modes. After describing the phenomenon, the paper is split into two parts: validations and predictions. In Part I of the paper, the ERA propeller driven rotor model was validated using three datasets: (i) a propeller flapping vacuum chamber experiment, (ii) a propeller/rotor loads vacuum chamber experiment, and (iii) a propeller driven rotor hover experiment. The ERA model showed good agreement with the data, and captured the important rotor-propeller Coriolis interaction. In Part II of the paper, predictions for several propeller driven rotor configurations were generated and analyzed. Loads were computed for an isolated propeller and are compared to propeller loads during propeller driven rotor operation. The analysis showed that operating the propeller on the rotor blade introduces significant inertial loads on the propeller. Finally, propeller placement along the main rotor blade span was investigated. The results of the present study agree with earlier research, which showed placing the propeller at the midspan location reduced the electrical power coefficient by nearly half compared to a tip mounted propeller.
In the context of increasing global energy demand and growing concerns about climate change, the integration of renewable energy sources with advanced modelling technologies has become essential for achieving sustainable and efficient energy systems. Solar energy, despite its considerable potential, continues to face challenges related to performance variability, limited real-time insights, and the need for reactive maintenance. To overcome these barriers, this work presents a Digital Twin framework aimed at optimizing solar-integrated energy systems through real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and adaptive control. This work presents a Digital Twin framework designed to address the challenges of designing, operating, maintaining, and estimating renewable energy systems, specifically solar power, based on dynamic load demand. The framework enables real-time forecasting and prediction of energy outputs, ensuring systems operate efficiently and maintain peak performance across diverse conditions. The proposed methodology mirrors the physical system using real-time data inputs, environmental conditions, and physics-based models to create a high-fidelity virtual replica. This allows for dynamic analysis of energy flows, load forecasting, system performance prediction, and scenario testing to optimize design and operational strategies. By integrating predictive analytics, Digital Twin adapts to changing conditions, enabling proactive maintenance, fault detection, and system calibration to meet future load demands. Experimental validation demonstrates that the framework improves system efficiency, adaptability, and reliability, with scalable applications for both centralized and decentralized energy systems. Additionally, its integration with cloud-based platforms and IoT technologies enables real-time monitoring, facilitating continuous optimization and data-driven decision-making. This Digital Twin approach provides an intelligent, data-driven solution for the renewable energy sector, facilitating sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy infrastructures that can reliably meet evolving load demands while optimizing performance throughout their lifecycle.
Toyota's big claim for its new sixth-generation 2026 RAV4 is that the SUV is now“ 100% electrified.” That's true, as Obi-wan once said, from a certain point of view. As it recently did with the Camry, the automaker has eliminated an ICE-only powertrain from the list of options, giving drivers the choice between a gas-electric hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The hybrids use Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which uses a 2.5-L 4-cylinder aluminum Atkinson cycle engine that produces 163 lb-ft and up to 226 hp (169 kW) in FWD configuration, 236 hp (176 kW) in AWD. Seven trim levels - LE, XLE Premium (which Toyota expects to be the volume trim), Limited, SE, XSE and Woodland - can be had with the hybrid powertrain, while the driving-focused GR Sport version can only be had as a PHEV. The plug-in option is available on the SE, XSE and Woodland. These new RAV4s use Toyota's sixth-generation PHEV system, which produces 324 hp (242 kW) and up to 172 lb-ft So, yes, the entire line-up is electric, but most are also gas-powered.
As countries race to expand renewable energy infrastructure, balancing clean electricity production with land use for food remains a pressing challenge — especially in Japan, where mountainous terrain limits space. A recent study led by researchers from the University of Tokyo explores a promising solution: integrating solar panels with traditional rice farming in a practice known as agrivoltaics.
Leonardo DRS Arlington, VA mmount@drs.com
The path toward carbon-neutral mobility represents one of the greatest cultural transformations in recent human history. Positioned between industrial heritage, emerging mobility technologies, and the energy supply sector are the users of 1.5 billion motor vehicles worldwide. Conflicting publications on raw material availability, energy efficiency, and the climate neutrality of propulsion systems have led to widespread uncertainty. This Illustrated Energy Primer provides a new foundation for orientation. It begins with a visual explanation of the basic concepts of energy and power, followed by illustrative comparisons of typical energy demands in vehicles and households. The focus then shifts to common types of energy generation systems. Using regional examples—from coal-fired power plants to wind farms, solar installations, and balcony solar panels—the guide provides clear and accessible performance benchmarks for energy production. Next, nine individual experience profiles highlight how people across different life stages manage their vehicles responsibly and resource-efficiently. These range from a 16-year-old driver of a light electric vehicle, to a 55-year-old electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) user, to a 91-year-old woman using an electric mobility aid limited to walking speed. A broad range of drive technologies is covered in the Energy Primer, including comparisons with alternatives such as electric microcars, pedal-assist electric bicycles (pedelecs), and walking. Each user narrative outlines annual personal financial savings as well as the potential reduction in CO₂ emissions. These individual results are also scaled up to reflect the commuter mobility patterns of the Federal Republic of Germany (BRD). In this way, the Energy Primer builds a bridge between technical experts and everyday users. It aims to strengthen awareness of the value of energy in mobility and to encourage deeper engagement with the sometimes complex calculations behind energy balances. This is the first time such a compact and illustrated educational resource on energy and mobility is made freely available.
The growing demand for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in diesel engines has led to significant advancements in power management technologies. This paper presents a dual-mode functional strategy that integrates electrified turbochargers to enhance engine performance, provide boost and generate electrical power. This helps in optimizing the overall engine efficiency. The engine performance is enhanced with boosting mode where the electric motor accelerates the turbocharger independent of exhaust flow, effectively reducing turbo lag and provides immediate boost at low engine speeds. This feature also improves high altitude performance of the engine. Conversely, in generating mode, the electric turbocharger recovers or harvest energy from exhaust gases depending on engine operating conditions, converting it into electrical energy for battery recharging purpose. Advanced control systems enable real-time adjustments to boost pressure and airflow in response to dynamic driving conditions, maximizing engine efficiency. Simulation studies and engine testing validate the expected benefits, demonstrating that the electrified turbocharger can significantly facilitate engine downsizing, reduce fuel consumption, and lower emissions through precise power management. These advancements align with global sustainability goals, presenting a viable solution to meet stringent environmental regulations while maintaining robust engine performance. The integration of electrified turbochargers represents a critical step towards the next generation of eco-friendly diesel engines, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
Direct current (DC) systems are increasingly used in small power system applications ranging from combined heat and power plants aided with photovoltaic (PV) installations to powertrains of small electric vehicles. A critical safety issue in these systems is the occurrence of series arc faults, which can lead to fires due to high temperatures. This paper presents a model-based method for detecting such faults in medium- and high-voltage DC circuits. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on high-frequency signal analysis, the proposed method uses a physical circuit model and a high-gain observer to estimate deviations from nominal operation. The detection criterion is based on the variance of a disturbance estimate, allowing fast and reliable fault identification. Experimental validation is conducted using a PV system with an arc generator to simulate faults. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in distinguishing fault events from normal operating variations. The method is compared with a recursive least squares estimator, showing improved performance in terms of sensitivity. The approach offers a cost-effective and robust solution to improve safety in DC power systems, particularly in PV and electric mobility applications.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a novel triple-junction perovskite/Si tandem solar cell that can achieve a certified world-record power conversion efficiency of 27.1 percent across a solar energy absorption area of 1 sq cm, representing the best-performing triple-junction perovskite/Si tandem solar cell thus far. To achieve this, the team engineered a new cyanate-integrated perovskite solar cell that is stable and energy efficient.
The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has successfully developed ultra-lightweight flexible perovskite/ CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) tandem solar cells and achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.64 percent, which is the world’s highest efficiency for flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells reported to date. The solar cells developed by the research team are extremely lightweight and can be attached to curved surfaces, making it a promising candidate for future applications in buildings, vehicles, aircraft, and more.
Items per page:
50
1 – 50 of 3106