Towards Energy-Autonomous Unmanned Aerial System: A Bionic Approach on Solar-Electric, Multi-Vehicle Aerial Platforms for Waterborne Operations

Abstract

An alternative approach on energy-autonomous unmanned aerial systems is proposed: By a collaborative, multi-vehicle architecture, the infinite flight-concept of High-Altitude Solar-Powered Vehicles is replaced by a bionic inspired two-mode operation. Mission tasks are conducted with full functionalities by active vehicles, while the remaining inactive vehicles rest at a sleep-like phase of minimum power consumption, increasing the efficiency of energy regeneration. As an exemplary case, a solar-electric powered system of waterborne, fixed-wing vehicles is studied. Assuming a search-and-detect mission scenario, probable vehicle and system designs are investigated. Impact of seasonal and meteorological availability of solar insolation, vehicle operation scheme, sensor and datalink properties on system performance are evaluated by a multi-agent-based mission simulation. Optimization potentials, as well as learnings on system architecture, vehicle design and mission scenario are presented.