In all-electric micro air vehicles (MAVs), the propulsion power comes from advanced electrical power sources, such as batteries, fuel cells, and hybrid energy storage systems. Although there have been substantial advancements in advanced power sources, all-electric MAVs still suffer from limited range and reliability. There are research groups worldwide, including several research labs at IIT, focused on developing advanced batteries, fuel cells, and hybrid energy storage systems (combined Li-ion batteries, ultra-capacitors, and fuel cells) for such applications. However, there has not been much research done in hybridizing the propulsion systems of air vehicles to develop the concept of hybrid electric aircraft (HEA).

There is already a paradigm shift in land vehicles from combustion engines to hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric power trains. Dr. Emadi’s lab is at the forefront of the research in this area. In addition, IIT has strong research programs in advanced power sources, engines, flow control, and GPS enabled autonomous vehicles within the Armour College of Engineering.

This project will require a multi-disciplinary team to develop the revolutionary concept of plug-in hybrid electric micro air vehicles (PHE-MAV) with off-board (plug-in) charging capabilities. The proposed PHE-MAV will not only have a hybrid energy storage system, but also benefit from an advanced hybrid propulsion system. The proposed PHE-MAV is expected to drastically improve range and reliability compared to the current MAVs.

The optimum choice of the system hybridization includes complex trade-offs between the engine and electric propulsion system combined with performance, maneuverability, survivability, fuel economy, and energy storage.

Suni Smith was born to be an electrical engineer. He grew up with a curiosity and passion for learning about new technology which he most likely got from his mother who worked with computers. “When I was young, my mother would give me old clocks, broken radios, and discarded television sets to investigate and tinker with,” he says. “For hours, I would sit mesmerized at how they where put together. I also had engineering mini handbooks and electronic kits from RadioShack which solidified my interest in electronics.”

As he got older, Smith surrounded himself with computers and electrical equipment. A natural at fixing things, he was always the first person called when friends and family had problems with their electronics. Using his knowledge of electrical functions, he is currently a full-time undergraduate student at Illinois Institute of Technology doing research on plug-in hybrid electric micro air vehicles.  He is listed on the National Dean’s List for exceptional students and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is also an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), for which he encourages membership throughout workshops and help with budgets and academic workshops. “I also work with NSBE Jr., a pre-college program for high school students,” he says. “In our weekly meetings I help the students build, design, and program robotic structures. I find it fascinating and rewarding to share my knowledge and expose others to the world of technology.”

Smith also works at Chicago State University, where he attended college for two years prior to IIT. As a laboratory assistant and as a tutor for the CSU Engineering Department, he helped to set up the MESA computer lab with a wireless network. After completing his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Smith plans to attend graduate school and earn a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. “I eventually want to teach at a university where I can help those who share my same passion for technology,” he says. “I want to help others reach their dreams.”