Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Engine Innovative and Durable Sealing Techniques for Increased Power and Efficiency

As UAV usage increases, so increases the need for more power and efficiency for the vehicle and its powerplant. Rotary engines, due to their inherently high power density, have become popular as Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion systems. The rotary engines high specific power places very high loads on critical components, leading to wear which ultimately leads to loss of power and efficiency. The apex seal is a critical component of the rotary engine, used to seal the high combustion pressures. It is also vulnerable to accelerated wear at the high engine speeds typical of UAV applications. The design of apex seals has not changed much since the original designs dating back to the late 1950s. This one single component of the rotary engine has the potential for significant improvement which will result in greater efficiency, power-output and reliability of the engine. Patrick Power Products, Inc.(Patpower) has 12 years of rotary engine development experience, including development of heavy fuel variants of rotary engines. The PatPower engines use conventional apex seals but we are sensitive to the seals limitations and, as such, have developed potential improvement concepts. This proposal seeks funding to continue work accomplished under Phase 1.