Design analysis and construction of energy harvesting coaxial helicopter

Abstract

With the growing need for technology, the tendency for errors has increased many times, which often results in loss of human lives. Our main aim of this paper is to show the implementation of a coaxial rotor aerial vehicle that can be controlled by a radio frequency transmitter. The helicopter is capable of manoeuvring in an area where real helicopters cannot. The area could be a flooded region, a place hit by an earthquake, or a building on fire. The main aim is to transmit video of that place to a base station by the camera attached to the helicopter. Various factors required to make a safe and successful coaxial helicopter are discussed and extensive flight testing proves that this flying machine is better in efficiency and performance than a traditional single rotor aerial vehicle. The relation of flight parameters like torque, induced power, rpm, pitch, and total power are discussed. A piezoelectric sensor is used to determine the vibrations occurring in the body so that they can be minimised. A successful attempt to convert the vibrations into a charge by piezoelectric energy harvesters is made.

First published online: 24 Dec 2013

Keyword : piezoelectric transducer, lift force, characterisation, cantilever, ‘C’ rating, flight testing