Icare 2 Spin-off: Solar Generators
Because of the high engine power output and the resulting shorter engine run times it is not possible for the DG-808C to fly without occasionally recharging the batteries.
If your trailer or a nearby parking lot has a power plug you can recharge easily with a stationary charger. But for the traveling soaring pilot we have also developed a solution.
The following article was published in the Aerokurier:
The self launching sailplane in the 18 M Class, the DG-808C from DG Flugzeugbau is one of the first that profits from the technical experience of the solar powered sailplane Icare 2, and becomes independent of a power plug-in.
As an option the sailplane can be equipped with solar generators, which are incorporated into the upper fuselage between the rear of the canopy and the engine compartment. This makes it possible to achieve a charging of the 12V batteries even in marginal conditions, contrary to the conventional technology. Devotees of soaring safaris will find this system very useful.
In the opinion of Dipl. Eng. Wilhelm Dirks the recharging of batteries from an outside source will no longer be necessary.
Service-Info for this Solar-Panel as PDF-File
My own experience:
The battery capacity of the DG-808B is good enough for long flights. Therefore I myself have felt no need for a solar panel in the last years.
But we have mounted one on my new machine - and I have noticed that it's a really nice and useful tool. The batteries are charged better the longer the flight duration is. - Exactly the opposite of what it used to be before. I don't feel a need to check the electricity any more.
The solar panel is a "must have" in case you have to use a transponder. It will deliver about 1 Ampere and at any case is very recommended.
But never the less: My personal impression is: It's desirable!
Perfectionists will even cut a space for a solar panel into their trailer...
Addendum:
The integrated solar panel on the top of the fuselage has proved very successful in the recent years.
Therefore we now also offer this option for the DG-808S and the DG-1000. Bearing in mind that in Germany (and possibly other countries) the need to use a transponder is a very real possibility, it is worth considering the purchase of such a solar panel with a new glider to keep the glider well equipped for any future requirements.
Installation of solar panels on engine covers
As we have many years of experience with solar panels mounted on engine covers we can now offer these as an option.
The long engine covers on the DG-808C are of real high- tech construction. Only through precise manufacturing and exact fitting is it possible to make them close perfectly. Therefore, it is not logical to make the solar panels part of the structure as this would weaken the covers.
But since the airflow within this part of the fuselage is no longer laminar and an additional aerodynamic drag would not occur the solar panels are glued on top of the covers. Such a solution is also possible to be carried out on older models. As the work involved is about the same, the price for it will also be the same.
The customer has the option to choose if he wishes the aerodynamically clean solution to install the solar panels on the top of the fuselage or to mount them on the engine covers. To mount them on the engine covers has the advantage that the solar panels can be removed if required, without leaving a hole in the fuselage.
A service bulletin is made available in both cases to enable the customer to test the correct functioning of the system
Solar generator on top of the Instrument Panel
There is also the possibility that a small solar generator can be mounted on top of the instrument panel. But the experience with this has not always been satisfactory.
In any case, the performance is not great because the actual available area is insufficient.
A big part of the possible solar energy is absorbed by the canopy, in particular if the canopy is tinted. And because it is also shadowed by the mirror for observing the engine, yaw string etc. its performance is further reduced .
In addition damage can easily occur while climbing into the cockpit.
We can, of course, deliver such installation if the customer wishes, but abetter solution is certainly the installation of the solar panel on top of the fuselage or engine covers.