Optimization of Motor/Gear Drive System for Electric RPV

摘要

The goal of Phase I was to prove the feasibility of using a high speed brushless dc motor for propulsion in an RPV application. The electric propulsion system would include a brushless dc motor, electronic controller, and gear reducer that is optimally sized for the cruise condition of an RPV. Performance tests were to be conducted to measure developed power, while driving a propeller loaded at the cruise condition, and to test for the adequacy of heat rejection from the motor in the RPV configuration. The system was to be packaged for minimum size and weight. A complete electric propulsion system consisting of a brushless dc motor, controller, gearbox, and propeller was configured and bench tested. Heat rejection tests were also performed on the brushless dc motor in the RPV configuration. The final system of motor, controller and heat rejection hardware was then packaged for minimum size and weight. In the bench power tests output from the motor was measured to be 5 hp. The heat rejection tests showed that adequate cooling should be attainable through further improvements in a total cooling system.