Abstract
In this study, we present options for extending the endurance of a lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), along with their advantages and disadvantages. We present a developed solution based on the use of gallium–arsenide (GaAs) solar modules installed on a UAV and connected to a custom-made maximum power point tracker (MPPT) with an integrated perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm. The mathematical behavior required to calculate the electrical energy production from solar energy on the UAV from known UAV angles of rotation, the position of the sun in the sky, solar irradiance measurements, the solar module area and the solar modules efficiency is presented. A comparison of the calculated and actual measured electrical energy production results during an aerial mapping mission is presented. We perform a number of aerial mapping mission flights and the experimental results confirm an energy efficiency value of more than 96.27% for the MPPT and extended flight endurance by up to 21.25%. In addition, onboard measurements and other data captured during flights confirm the proposed electrical energy production calculation.
Highlights
There are many different applications that call for greater unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) endurance, one of which is aerial mapping
The purpose of this study was to verify whether any technology exists for endurance extension of lightweight UAVs
It has been shown that many options for endurance extension exist, but that only a few of them are applicable for lightweight UAVs, since the mass and space of the system are limited
Summary
There are many different applications that call for greater unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) endurance, one of which is aerial mapping. There are many interesting areas that can be scanned using this method How long it takes to scan a desired area mostly depends on the area surface, camera type, flight settings, power consumption of the UAV and available electrical energy onboard. The available electrical energy is most often stored in a battery, which is usually used as a primary electrical energy source for lightweight UAVs, such as Bramor UAVs. Bramor is a brand of electrically powered UAVs made by a company called C-Astral Aerospace, Ltd. Bramor is a brand of electrically powered UAVs made by a company called C-Astral Aerospace, Ltd. Differing from other models, the ppX model has a dual frequency GNSS receiver onboard, which is needed to achieve more accurate post-processing results. Bramor UAVs must be catapulted for takeoff and a parachute is used for landing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
