This document summarizes a research project on designing and testing a distributed electric propulsion system for aircraft. Distributed electric propulsion involves placing multiple small engines around the aircraft's fuselage and wings to improve efficiency. The project aims to design and test a scaled model aircraft powered by 10-12 small electric engines distributed along its wingspan. Testing will analyze lift characteristics at varying payloads. Distributed electric propulsion could make air travel more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly by increasing lift and reducing emissions compared to traditional jet engines.

1. UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND ENERGY
STUDIES
MINOR RESEARCH PROJECT
(Abstract)
Design, Development and Testing of Distributed Electric Propulsion System
Theoretical Background :
Distributed electric propulsion (DEP) is a type of electrically powered flight
propulsion system for fixed-wing aircraft in which engines are distributed about the fuselage.
Its goal is to increase performance in fuel efficiency, lesser carbon emissions, noise, to
improve take off and landing performances, and handling performance. The main challenge
faced by light weight aircrafts these days is that they need a wing with larger span to prevent
stalling at the time of landing due to insufficient lift produced at low flight velocity. But the use
of bigger wing increases drag of the Aircraft at higher cruising altitude. Hence the overall
flight performance is also affected.
Concept:
In a typical jet engine powered aircraft the lift produced is because of the relative
airflow developed due to the thrust generated by the engines hence if we need more lift we
must increase the throttle(ignoring the flaps arrangement). Where in DEP powered aircraft
the lift produced is because of the airflow generated by the rotating propellers hence it
provides more air velocity over the surface of wing as compared to the relatively moving
airflow in jet engine powered aircrafts. It basically results in increasing the lift at low flight
velocity. One concept is the DEP wing in which the propulsors provide span-wise distribution
of the propulsive stream and enhanced lift capability.
An important advantage of distributed propulsion is that the propulsors are separate from the
power source, allowing the designer to place the propulsor where it is most needed on the
airframe. Another advantage is that propulsors can be operated independently.
The SCEPTOR X-plane project by NASA is the perfect example to demonstrate the
distributed propulsion system. Instead of focusing on low speed efficiency, sceptor focuses
on how DEP technologies enables cruise efficiency at higher speeds.
Problem Statement:
The main objective of the research is to design and test a scaled model aircraft
powered by distributed electric propulsion system by using 10-12 small engines distributed
over the wing span. Also to analyse the lift characteristics of model aircraft by varying the
payload. Since the aviation industry is touching new heights with innovative ideas, DEP

2. would be a crucial part to make Air travel more efficient and economical and environment
friendly.
Mentor: Mr. Zozimus D Labana
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Submitted by: Akash Patel, Sudharsan Parthasarathy