Development of a Flexible Framework Multi-Design Optimization Scheme for a Hand Launched Fuel Cell-Powered UAV

Zaid O Alrayes,Mohamed Gadalla

doi:10.3390/en14102951

Abstract

This paper presents different methods for the design of a hand-launchable, fixed wing, fuel cell-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to maximize flight endurance during steady level flight missions. The proposed design methods include the development of physical models for different propulsion system components. The performance characteristics of the aircraft are modeled through empirical contributing analyses in which each analysis corresponds to an aircraft subsystem. The contributing analyses are collected to form a design structure matrix which is included into a multi-disciplinary analysis to solve for the design variables over a defined design space. The optimal solution is found using a comprehensive optimization tool developed for long endurance flight missions. Optimization results showed a significant improvement in UAV flight endurance that reached up to 475 min with take-off ratio equals to 59 min/kg. Wind tunnel and bench-top tests and HiL simulation tests are performed to validate the results obtained from the optimization tools. Validated optimization results showed an increase of the overall UAV flight endurance by 19.4% compared to classical approaches in design methods.

Highlights

The UAV and fuel cell industries are seeking to enhance the capability and performance of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAVs) powered by fuel cells as propulsion systems [1,2,3]
This paper presents the design, development and validation of a flexible optimization scheme that can be used in the design of any PEMFC powered UAV of a small scale with validated design results
TionAprocess based on the selection process of different propulsion system components quantitative study of the market was achieved to select the fuel cells that can be integrated with the UAV

Summary

Introduction

The UAV and fuel cell industries are seeking to enhance the capability and performance of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAVs) powered by fuel cells as propulsion systems [1,2,3]. MUAVs are primarily used for surveillance, target engagement and tracking missions [4] Such missions require the MUAV to possess long endurance performance characteristics capable of maximizing the UAV flight time [5]. Electric propulsion systems that utilize batteries as the main power source require more batteries to increase the endurance of the UAV, and increase. The UAV will reach a threshold in which adding more fuel or batteries will increase the total weight and size, and in turn, will decrease the endurance. Such a solution is not effective, as it will increase both the initial and the running costs. An environmentally friendly power source such as solar cells or fuel cells will be considered as a better alternative to internal combustion engines [6,7]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion