Analisis Penggunaan Solar Cell Pada Drone Bertenaga Listrik Untuk Optimalisasi Durasi Terbang dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Gaya Aerodinamuka Pada Drone Fixed-Wing

Abstract

The UAV-CH4 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and is currently in active service. This drone applies the principle of high-altitude flight, utilizing its large dimensions and long wingspan. This study aims to investigate the effect of adding solar cells on the aerodynamic characteristics of the UAV-CH4’s wing and the effectiveness of solar cells on electrically powered drones. The research procedure was carried out using a subsonic wind tunnel and drone testing. The wing model analyzed was based on the UAV-CH4 wing, using the LRN 1015 airfoil, as well as a drone powered by rotors (propellers). The wing model was designed with SolidWorks, manufactured using a 5-axis CNC machine, and tested in a subsonic wind tunnel to analyze its aerodynamic characteristics. The parameters studied included lift, drag, lift coefficient, and drag coefficient, with variations involving the addition of solar cells. The study also evaluated the effectiveness of solar cells installed on an electric-powered drone. The results indicate that the use of solar cells has no significant impact on the aerodynamic forces of the airfoil, whether with or without solar cells.