Features of the choice of the trajectory and stages of the flight of an unmanned aircraft on solar energy in a restless atmosphere

Abstract

When forming the design parameters of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on solar energy, it is important to consider the peculiarities of energy supply not only when performing horizontal flight, but also at other stages (take-off, landing, maneuver, etc.), which ultimately form a common flight trajectory the implementation of which ensures the implementation of the specific task assigned to the UAV. However, the flight should be considered taking into account the actual operating conditions, including atmospheric factors. Determining the features of planning the trajectories and stages of flight of a UAV on solar energy during the implementation of a long flight, considering energy, design constraints and actual operating conditions, is the goal of this work. The possible trajectories of flight of UAVs on solar cells are determined in accordance with the typical tasks of its practical application. A discrete model is proposed for planning a trajectory of a route for a UAV on solar cells. The principles of the implementation of the stages of takeoff and landing of UAVs on solar energy are described, the dependencies between the energy consumption and the main parameters of each stage are determined. The dependences are obtained for determining the main components of the energy balance of UAVs on solar energy on the parameters of curvilinear flight. Verification of the obtained dependences was carried out by comparing the calculated and experimental (flight) data for a particular UAV on solar energy, which is of the mini class by mass. The convergence of the results of calculation and experiment is in the range of 15–20 %. The factors acting on an aircraft in a restless atmosphere, their effect on operational and design constraints are established. A generalized analytical model was obtained to determine the conditions for the implementation of a long flight (4–6 hours) of a solar-powered UAV, considering: mass, aerodynamic, energy characteristics; trajectory, atmospheric and operational conditions. The results of the study can be used at forming the shape of a UAV on solar energy at the stage of its preliminary design.