Design of the Power Supply System for Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the possibilities of supporting the Vertical Take off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle electric power systems by using photovoltaic cells. A typical commercial VTOL class drone with electric power was selected for analysis. Concepts of power supply supported by photovoltaic cells have been developed. Analysis of the potential change in performance through the use of such support are presented on the basis of the UAV simulation model and the model-based design. The simulation model takes into account not only the flight parameters of the drone, but also the drive system with the power supply system and the assumed variable lighting parameters. Such a multidisciplinary model was used to analyse the functional parameters. The analysis also includes hypothetical changes in the performance parameters of photovoltaic cells and their impact on the change in UAV performance as well as the impact of changes in the airframe geometry on the profitability of using such a solution.