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Overview of Propulsion Systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Author

Listed:
  • Bowen Zhang

    (Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China)

  • Zaixin Song

    (Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
    School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Fei Zhao

    (School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Chunhua Liu

    (Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
    School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion technology is significantly related to the flight performance of UAVs, which has become one of the most important development directions of aviation. It should be noted that UAVs have three types of propulsion systems, namely the fuel, hybrid fuel-electric, and pure electric, respectively. This paper presents and discusses the classification, working principles, characteristics, and critical technologies of these three types of propulsion systems. It is helpful to establish the development framework of the UAV propulsion system and provide the essential information on electric propulsion UAVs. Additionally, future technologies and development, including the high-power density motors, converters, power supplies, are discussed for the electric propulsion UAVs. In the near future, the electric propulsion system would be widely used in UAVs. The high-power density system would become the development trend of electric UAVs. Thus, this review article provides comprehensive views and multiple comparisons of propulsion systems for UAVs.

Suggested Citation

  • Bowen Zhang & Zaixin Song & Fei Zhao & Chunhua Liu, 2022. "Overview of Propulsion Systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:2:p:455-:d:721166
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. João F. P. Fernandes & Pedro P. C. Bhagubai & Paulo J. C. Branco, 2022. "Recent Developments in Electrical Machine Design for the Electrification of Industrial and Transportation Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Wenich Vattanapuripakorn & Sathapon Sonsupap & Khomson Khannam & Natthakrit Bamrungwong & Prachakon Kaewkhiaw & Jiradanai Sarasamkan & Bopit Bubphachot, 2022. "Advanced Electric Battery Power Storage for Motors through the Use of Differential Gears and High Torque for Recirculating Power Generation," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Bowen Zhang & Zaixin Song & Senyi Liu & Rundong Huang & Chunhua Liu, 2022. "Overview of Integrated Electric Motor Drives: Opportunities and Challenges," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-23, November.

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