Animated High Tatras

Reaction wheel stabilization system for VTOL aircraft

S. Kunst, M. Hromčík

Czech Technical University in Prague
Abstract
This paper explores the application of a reaction wheel as a stabilization mechanism for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft through the implementation of an experimental demonstrator. The demonstrator aims to showcase two primary applications of the reaction wheel: stabilization in the event of persistent disturbances, such as propulsion system failure, and dynamic stabilization in response to external stochastic perturbations. The design and implementation of the system are divided into mechanical, electrical, and software components, along with an overview of the mathematical model and control system design. The mechanical structure serves as a 2-DOF support frame for both the reaction wheel and propeller-motor assembly. The electronics include electric motor drivers, sensors for feedback, and the microcontroller, which executes the control software. The software integrates control algorithms for managing the propulsion system, reaction wheel and overall stabilization.
Session

Linear and Nonlinear Control (Poster)