Conceptual design of a direct helicopter energy storage system

This paper will detail the conceptual design of a direct drive electric helicopter energy storage system. Four realistic conceptual designs are considered, each utilizing a different technological approach. These designs are loosely based on the small two-seater Robinson R22 to which they are then compared in order to determine their relative merits. Similar energy storage requirements may be found in other aeronautical and automotive products and so the analysis is relevant to a large field. The analysis of the conceptual designs produced shows that whilst each would be technically feasible and capable of flight neither the battery powered design or the hydrogen fuel cell powered design would be commercially viable due to their current level of performance. The hybrid designs produced currently provide the best option where an electric helicopter is required however the benefit of producing a hybrid helicopter of this nature needs examining further.