Solar Aircraft
EcoGeek reports a revolutionary type of unmanned aircraft may now be feasible thanks to recent advances in polymers, photovoltaics, and batteries. The aircraft would integrate airfoil, propulsion, energy production, energy storage, and control into one seamless design without conventional mechanical moving parts. An innovative aspect of the concept involves the use of an ionic polymeric-metal composite that has the unique ability to deform in the presence of an electric field like an artificial muscle, and return to its original shape when the field is removed. Using the IPMC with photovoltaics provides an energy source and storage in the same structure.
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