Increasing Safety in Ultralight Aviation with a Wankel-Based Series/Parallel Hybrid Electric Power System

The goal of this investigation is to propose a series/parallel hybrid electric power system for ultralight aviation designed improve safety and, possibly, reduce fuel consumption. consists Wankel engine, two machines, battery, and planetary gear set, all acquired from the automotive market. After preliminary design based on takeoff power, simulated over typical flight mission in case engine failure first validation proposed powertrain. also shows comparison terms performance consumption between initial configuration (reciprocating piston engine), non-hybrid arrangement, configurations by using in-house simulation software. A heuristic energy management strategy as well. During mission, new powertrain works parallel during climb, thus ensuring high safety. cruise, behaves like with continuously variable transmission that makes work always at efficiency. battery partially recharged descent extra engine. results reported predict an improvement about 20% compared 28% compare powertrain, despite larger weight.