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Integrated Design and Flight Validation of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Structure and Propulsion System

Author

Listed:
  • Qing Guo

    (School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China)

  • Minghao Qiu

    (School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China)

  • Xiaoqiang Li

    (School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China)

  • Wen Sun

    (School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China)

  • Zihua Guo

    (School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China)

Abstract

The development of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) primarily focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the propulsion system to minimize energy consumption during the conversion of valuable solar energy. However, due to the unique nature of UAV propulsion systems, there is limited cross-reference ability among existing solar-powered UAV systems. This paper proposes an integrated design approach for the propulsion system and UAV structure. Based on this approach, an overall design is conducted for the solar-powered UAV, including initial design goals and performance parameters. Aerodynamic layout design and performance estimation are carried out, and a prototype is fabricated and assembled for flight testing validation. The results demonstrate the significant importance of this approach in improving the efficiency of the solar-powered UAV propulsion system.

Suggested Citation

  • Qing Guo & Minghao Qiu & Xiaoqiang Li & Wen Sun & Zihua Guo, 2023. "Integrated Design and Flight Validation of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Structure and Propulsion System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:20:p:7110-:d:1260933
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mou Sun & Chuan Shan & Kang-wen Sun & Yu-hong Jia, 2020. "Energy Management Strategy for High-Altitude Solar Aircraft Based on Multiple Flight Phases," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2020, pages 1-13, December.
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