Validation of Wind Wall Suitability for Evaluating Characteristics of UA Propulsion Systems

The subject of this paper is validating the applicability of a wind wall as opposed to a wind tunnel in testing the performance parameters of a propeller propulsion unit. The primary focus is on unmanned aircraft, a sector experiencing continuous growth and integration into everyday life. This is closely tied to the development of new technologies, particularly in propulsion units, aiming for maximal efficiency and the associated reduction in energy consumption. However, current testing methods for these propulsion units are both costly and time-consuming. Additionally, when utilizing wind tunnels, constraints in terms of space availability pose further challenges. Consequently, verifying the performance parameters of propeller units becomes exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for many manufacturers and institutions. The implementation of a wind wall would offer an affordable testing alternative, concurrently addressing space constraints when compared to a wind tunnel. This would facilitate further advancements in the realm of unmanned aircraft propulsion. In the presented study, two selected propellers were tested in flow created by wind wall. The acquired data were analysed and subsequently compared with relevant studies focusing on wind tunnel testing. The study's results indicate that the wind wall yields satisfactory results compared to the wind tunnel, suggesting its viability for use, at least in the initial stages of propeller propulsion unit development.