High Energy Density Propulsion System Design and Testing for Small Unmanned Systems

This study investigates methods of powering small unmanned vehicles and covers in detail the design and production of a dynamometer to confirm energy density calculations for small engines. Engine tests are conducted with an electric motor brake dynamometer for constant load tests that confirm true energy densities of 1400 WH/lb of fuel. The uncertainty of each dynamometer component is determined and integrated to understand the total error associated with energy density measurements.