EAS4949A-1

PROPELLER BLADE PERFORMANCE EXPERIMENTAL

STUDY USING MICRO TURBINE CONCEPT
APPLICATION OF BATTERYLESS MICRO TURBINE DRONE

DR. ADI AZRIFF BIN BASRI | SUPERVISOR

NURIN SYAZANA BINTI ABD HAMID | 207071
 Table of Contents

01 Introduction

Literature Review
02

03 Methodology
01
Introduction
Background Study | Problem Statement | Objectives | Significance
 Background Study
Common Use of Features of
01 Drones 02 Quadcopters
Drones are widely used across Quadcopters' four-rotor design provide
sectors like military and delivery excellent maneuverability and stability,
services, agricultural monitoring. leading to extensive utilization

Growth in Drone Need for

03 Sales 04 Innovation
Drone sales increased by 63% The increase in drone usage highlights
between 2014 and 2015, shows a the necessity for innovative progress in
sustained upward trend. drone technology.
Problem Statement
1. Conventional Drones powered by
batteries
2. Face limitations in flight time, payload
capacity, and operational range.
3. Make it difficult for drones to handle
longer-duration tasks
4. The proposed approach involves
replacing conventional
battery-powered propulsion systems
with a micro turbine concept for drones.
5. Develop a Batteryless Micro-Turbine
Drone (BMTD) distinct from standard
UAV quadcopters
 Objectives
1. Identify and
2. Design and Fabrication
Analyze Designs
To design and fabricate the selected
To identify and analyze micro
micro turbine from morph and pugh
turbine designs for maximum RPM
matrix
and thrust using morphological and
pugh matrix methods

3. Performance 4. Optimization for

Analysis
To analyze key performance
parameters including thrust, RPM,
pressure, and flow differences across
various operating conditions.
Efficiency
To optimize the selected micro turbine
design based on performance data to
maximize efficiency for high thrust &
RPM in drone applications.
 Significance

Advancing Drone Technology

Utilized air compressor (regenerative
energy), in generating thrust and
Environmental Impact Reduction
torque
The project aims to decrease
reliance on batteries,
promoting sustainability and
Potential Cost Savings reducing environmental impact.
Drones powered
independently save money
and improve efficiency by
removing the need for battery
changes and downtime.
 02
Literature
Review
Summary of Literature Review
No. Year Title Objective Finding Gap

1. 2023 Investigating the Battery To analyze UAV battery Identifies UAV battery challenges - Limited detailed analysis of
Life Issues in Unmanned challenges and propose like limited flight time and safety specific battery
Aerial Vehicles: An solutions, focusing on concerns. Proposed solutions technologies.
Analysis of Challenges maintenance, charging include improved maintenance, - Inadequate exploration of
and Proposed Solutions practices, and battery optimized charging, and environmental impact.
quality. high-quality batteries like LiFePO4. - Absence of integration of
advanced energy storage
solutions.

2. 2022 Numerical Investigation To develop a numerical Mesh size influenced accuracy, Lacks consideration of variations in
of a Pelton Turbine at model for Pelton particularly downstream of the Reynolds number, particularly
Several Operating turbines and investigate valve. Torque trends closely regarding how scaling effects
Conditions flow patterns using matched between experimental and influence flow behavior and
computational fluid CFD data, with finer mesh performance, thereby limiting the
dynamics (CFD) while predictions aligning well with applicability of the results to
comparing them to experimental runner torque values. industrial-scale applications.
high-speed camera
images.

3. 2021 Performance Study of a To enhance turbine Recorded peak power at 126 W and Lacks detailed insights into their
Bladeless Microturbine. efficiency for power 10,800 rpm, highlighting the specific effects on efficiency and
supply by investigating importance of having a sufficiently power generation. Further
the impact of pressure high number of discs in a Tesla exploration is needed to optimize
ratios on power turbine to operate within a laminar turbine design for enhanced
generation determine flow regime for optimal efficiency. performance.
optimal disc numbers for
efficient Tesla turbine
operation.
4. 2021 Design, Construction To explore the energy Higher rpm values correlated Lacks detailed analysis on the
and Simulation of Tesla generation potential of positively with increased voltage, Tesla Turbine's efficiency and
Turbine the Tesla Turbine, current, and power output from the limitations, particularly regarding
focusing on its swirling Tesla Turbine, emphasizing the the impact of higher rpm on
inflow configuration and significance of designing turbines efficiency and potential challenges
assessing the with higher rpm capabilities for associated with it
correlation between rpm optimal power generation.
and electric power
generation.

5. 2020 A Comprehensive To evaluate UAV power Emphasizes improvements in UAV - Limited exploration of hybrid
Review of Energy sources, identify endurance, energy density, weight, configurations and emerging
Sources for Unmanned limitations, and propose and charging times, along with the technologies for UAV power
Aerial Vehicles, Their enhancements across exploration of hybrid systems. It systems.
Shortfalls and various technologies highlights the strengths and - Shortcomings in
Opportunities for including batteries, fuel weaknesses of different power sustainability and cost
Improvements cells, solar power, and sources, contributing to the analysis.
combustion engines. advancement of drone technology. - Lack of practical field
testing to validate new
power solutions.
03
Methodology
Flowchart of Experimental |
Design Selection Process | Gantt-Chart Part A and B
Flowchart of Experimental
Pelton Turbine Francis Turbine Kaplan Turbine

Cross-Flow Turbine Tesla Turbine

 Features Pelton Turbine Francis Turbine Kaplan Turbine Cross-Flow Tesla Turbine
Turbine

Operating Principle Impulse Reaction Reaction Reaction Boundary Layer

Blades Buckets Curved vanes Propeller-like Symmetrical Bladeless disc

airfoils

Water Flow Direction Tangential Radial Axial Cross-flow Peripheral

Head Requirement (m) High (50+) Medium (10-50) Low (1-10) Very low (<1) Not applicable

Flow Requirement (m³/s) Low (0.1-1) Medium (1-5) High (5+) Variable (0.5-1)

Torque (Nm) High (10-50) Medium (5-20) Low (1-5) Medium (5-15) Low (1-2)

Nominal RPM Low (50-300) Medium (60-300) High (100-600) Medium (50-200) High
(9000-20000)

Size (diameter, cm) Moderate (5-10) Medium (10-20) Large (20+) Compact (5-10) Small (3-5)

Estimated Efficiency (%) High (85-90) High (88-92) High (85-90) Moderate (75-80)

Complexity Moderate High High Low High

Manufacturing Cost Moderate High High Moderate High

Suitability for Drone Moderate Potentially Requires larger Limited Unproven

(requires gearing requires larger size efficiency, simple performance, low
for high RPM) size design torque
 Design Options 1 2 3 4 5

Operating Principle Impulse Reaction Reaction Reaction Boundary Layer

Blades Buckets Curved vanes Propeller-like Symmetrical Bladeless disc

airfoils

Water Flow Direction Tangential Radial Axial Cross-flow Peripheral

Head Requirement (m) High (50+) Medium (10-50) Low (1-10) Very low (<1) Not applicable

Flow Requirement (m³/s) Low (0.1-1) Medium (1-5) High (5+) Variable (0.5-1)

Torque (Nm) High (10-50) Medium (5-20) Low (1-5) Medium (5-15) Low (1-2)

Nominal RPM Low (50-300) Medium (60-300) High (100-600) Medium (50-200) High
(9000-20000)

Size (diameter, cm) Moderate (5-10) Medium (10-20) Large (20+) Compact (5-10) Small (3-5)

Estimated Efficiency (%) High (85-90) High (88-92) High (85-90) Moderate (75-80)

Complexity Moderate High High Low High

Manufacturing Cost Moderate High High Moderate High

Suitability for Drone Moderate Potentially Requires larger Limited Unproven

(requires gearing requires larger size efficiency, simple performance, low
for high RPM) size design torque
 Pugh Matrix
Design Options 1 2 3 4 5

Torque (Nm) +1 +1 -1 0 -1

Nominal RPM +1 0 +1 0 +1

Size/Weight +1 +1 +1 +1 -1

Estimated +1 0 -1 +1 -1
Efficiency (%)

Complexity +1 -1 -1 +1 -1

Manufacturing +1 -1 -1 +1 -1
Cost

Suitability for +1 -1 -1 -1 -1
Drone

Total +7 -1 -3 +3 -5
 Feature Score Justification

Torque +1 Pelton offers the highest torque among all options, crucial for strong thrust in
hovering and maneuverability.

RPM (Achievable) +1 Pelton's native RPM is low, requiring additional gearing to reach desired values.
This reduces the score.

Efficiency +1 Pelton maintains high efficiency (85-90%), ensuring optimal power utilization
from water flow.

Size/Weight +1 Pelton's compact size and moderate weight are more favorable for drone
integration compared to larger turbines.

Complexity +1 Manufacturing complexity and cost are manageable compared to more intricate
options like Francis and Kaplan.

Manufacturing Cost +1 While not the cheapest, Pelton's cost is reasonable and aligns with its benefits.

Suitability for drone +1 Despite needing gearing, Pelton offers a good balance between high torque,
efficiency, and feasibility for drone integration.
 Based on Morphological and Pugh Matrix
● Pelton Turbine was identified as the most promising option for the project
● High torque, good efficiency, moderate size/weight, and manageable
complexity (Characteristics)
● The Pelton turbine received a promising score (+7) compared to other
options, indicating its suitability for the project
● Based on the evaluation results, the project will proceed with the design
and development of a microturbine based on the Pelton Turbine principle.
 Design Requirements
Efficient Integrates
with Propeller
To reduce potential wobbling
issues, enhancing stability
during flight operations.
Precise Fabrication
Utilizing a resin 3D printer for
precise and customized
manufacturing (Propeller)
Thrust Generation
Capability
Ability to generate thrust of
at least 10N for various flight
tasks and maneuvers.
Compatibility and
Efficiency
Small-scale design ensures
compatibility with compact
drone configuration.
Lightweight Design
Aims to weigh under 100 grams,
optimizing drone weight for
enhanced maneuverability
Flight Performance
Requirements
Ability to hover at least 10m
above ground level and sustain a
minimum flight time of 20
minutes for longer aerial
missions and applications.
 Gantt-Chart FYP Part A (W1-W17)

Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
Task 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15-17
Part A
Literature Review
Problem Statement
Research Objectives
Micro Turbine Design
Research
Morphological and Pugh
Matrix
Preliminary Micro Turbine
Sketch Design
Report Writing
Final Presentation
 Gantt-Chart FYP Part B (W1-W17)

Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
Part B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15-17
Micro Turbine Part Design
Micro Turbine Fabrication
Performance Parameter
Analysis
Optimization
Assembly with Drone
Structure
Report Writing
Final Presentation
 References
[1] Mehendale, N. (2023). Investigating the battery life issues in Unmanned aerial Vehicles: An analysis of
challenges and Proposed solutions. Social Science Research Network. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4324196

[2] Boukoberine M, Nadir Z, Zhou M, et al (2019) A critical review on unmanned aerial vehicles power supply and
energy management: Solutions, strategies, and prospects. Applied Energy 255:113,823-113,823

[3] Alomar, O. R., Maher, H., Salih, M. M. M., & Ali, F. A. (2022). Performance analysis of Pelton turbine under
different operating conditions: An experimental study. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 13(4), 101684.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2021.101684

[4] Francis Turbine cross section explained - SaVRee. (2023, October 27).
https://savree.com/en/encyclopedia/francis-turbine-cross-section

[5] M. M. Shamsuddeen, J. Park, Y.-S. Choi, and J.-H. Kim, “Unsteady multi-phase cavitation analysis on the effect
of anti-cavity fin installed on a Kaplan turbine runner,” 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.100.

[6] Adhikari, R., & Wood, D. (2018). The Design of High Efficiency Crossflow Hydro Turbines: A Review and
extension. Energies, 11(2), 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11020267

[7] Team, L. (2023, April 4). What is Tesla Turbine and How Does it Works? | Linquip. Industrial Manufacturing
Blog | linquip. https://www.linquip.com/blog/what-is-tesla-turbine/#google_vignette