A rotating piston engine with electric generator in serial hybrid propulsion system for use in light aircraft

Abstract

Analysis of the possibility of using a rotary engine based electric generator to propell a powered sailplane. The paper presents analysis of utilising Wankel type enine as a power input for an electric generator in the motor glider propulsion system. This generator would be a part of the propulsion system of a hybrid motor glider using the AOS 71 motor glider airframe. In the research, the rotational characteristics of the LCR 407ti wankel engine were determined experimentally. Driving torque run, power and fuel consumption were determined as a function of engine speed. The obtained results are presented in diagrams. The conceptual diagram of the hybrid drive is presented. The electric generator was selected and its effectiveness, as well as the effectiveness of entire propulsion system was assessed from the motor glider's performance point of view. Basing on the research conducted, conclusions were drawn and there were indicated the objectives and directions of further research on hybrid propulsion with specific aerodynamic and mass limitations of the aircraft