Rithik R Nambiar

Lighter-than-Air Systems

Research in aerostat design and optimization for sustainable applications — from power generation using tethered aerostats to solar-powered hybrid airship concepts. This work at IIT Bombay's LTA Systems Laboratory combined feasibility analysis, CFD simulation, and conceptual design to push the boundaries of lighter-than-air technology.

Turbine Aerostat for Electric Power Generation

Led feasibility study on solar/wind aerostats for transmission towers at IIT Bombay, reducing potential costs by 20%. Developed a conceptual sizing methodology for electric power generation turbine aerostats and optimized power generation efficiency by 15% through CFD analysis of horizontal and vertical axis turbines. Also developed a dashboard to streamline the aerostat design process, reducing cycle time by 60%.

Related Publications

Conceptual Sizing Approach for Electric Power Generation Turbine Aerostat
Nambiar, R. R, Dixit, M., & Pant, R. S.
Journal of Aerospace Sciences and Technologies, 76(2), 67–80, 2024.
Methodology for Conceptual Sizing of a Turbine Aerostat for Electrical Power Generation
Nambiar, R. R, Dixit, M., and Pant, R. S.
AIAA AVIATION 2023 Forum, San Diego, CA, June 2023.

Solar-Powered Winged Hybrid Airship for Agriculture

Developed the conceptual design for a solar-powered winged hybrid airship tailored for agricultural purposes. The design integrates photovoltaic energy harvesting with a lifting-body airship configuration to enable long-endurance, low-cost aerial operations for crop monitoring, spraying, and precision agriculture in remote regions.

Related Publications

Conceptual Design of a Solar Powered Winged Hybrid Airship for Agricultural Purposes
Nambiar, R. R, and Gupta, P.
AIAA AVIATION 2023 Forum, San Diego, CA, June 2023.
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