An integrated Solar-Fuel Cell Powered System for Airships

Development of a general model of power, propulsion and control of a novel airship is discussed in this paper. The airship design is based on the concept of the Multibody Advanced Airship for Transport (MAAT). The energy supply for this airship is produced by a solar-fuel cell system. Solar panels and fuel cells provide the power associated with the airship motion and avionics, including the control and propulsion systems. A complete model of this airship is presented by integrating the power, propulsion and control system. The model provides the base line for the design and analysis of the airship and investigation of its components, i.e. energy, control and propulsion systems and can be used in the preliminary stages of a design process.