Abstract
This paper presents the results of modeling, control system design and simulation verification of a hybrid-electric drive topology suitable for power flow control within unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The hybrid power system is based on the internal combustion engine (ICE) driving a brushless DC (BLDC) generator supplying the common DC bus used for power distribution within the aircraft. The overall control system features proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback control of the ICE rotational speed using a Luenberger estimator for engine-generator set rotational speed estimation. The BLDC generator active rectifier voltage and current are controlled by proportional-integral (PI) feedback controllers, augmented by estimator-based feed-forward load compensators. The overall control system design has been based on damping optimum criterion, which yields straightforward analytical expressions for controller and estimator parameters. The robustness to key process parameters variations is investigated by means of root-locus methodology, and the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid power unit control system is verified by means of comprehensive computer simulations.
Highlights
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, Citation: Krznar, M.; Pavković, D.; Cipek, M.; Benić, J
This paper proposes the low-level control system design aimed for power flow control application within the hybrid propulsion unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) direct current (DC) power distribution system, which utilizes the internal combustion engine (ICE) plus brushless DC (BLDC) machine generator set as the primary power source
The well-damped behavior of the closed-loop engine speed control system is evident in the engine torque and throttle responses, which are characterized by initial abrupt change after the load disturbance, and smooth control action commanded during the closed-loop response settling phase
Summary
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, Citation: Krznar, M.; Pavković, D.; Cipek, M.; Benić, J. Nowadays multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in many specialized roles, among which search and rescue missions [1], border patrol and surveillance [2], aerial photography [3,4], inspection of critical infrastructure [5], and agriculture [6] are most prominently featured Their more widespread utilization is related to energy storage capacity limitations of the state-of-the-art lithium batteries for small-scale aircraft propulsion, and consequent fight autonomy and maneuvering capability issues [7]. Alternative aircraft propulsion systems utilizing internal combustion engine (ICE) as prime mover and liquid fuel as the energy source, introduce a number of constraints on the UAV performance, as indicated in [8]. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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