Trajectory optimization for takeoff and landing phase of UAM considering energy and safety

Abstract

This study performs trajectory optimization for takeoff and landing of urban air mobility (UAM) considering the energy efficiency and safety. The longitudinal model of single-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) is used. In order to minimize the energy consumption, the battery state-of-charge, estimated by the coulomb counting method, is set as the objective function and the vortex ring state avoidance constraint is applied to secure the safety. The state variables are restricted in consideration of the passenger's ride quality and the takeoff and landing reference volume. The numerical optimization is conducted using direct collocation method, and the effects of the objective function and constraint are analyzed. In addition, a simulation applying a uniform wind environment is also performed to analyze the effect of the wind environment.