Session: 05-02-01: Advances in Aerodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion Systems

Paper Number: 145237

145237 - Optimized Sizing of Solar Pv Cells, Battery, and Aircraft Design of Pv-Powered Surveillance Uav 

The utilization of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has gained significant attention in the industry in recent years. This is because clean energy resources are strongly encouraged to be integrated into the propulsion systems of UAVs allowing for reduced carbon emissions. This stands in contrast to conventional propulsion methods, which, aside from causing pollution and emitting greenhouse gases, have a vast negative effect on the environment.

The scope of this paper is to optimize the sizing and design of a UAV that is fully powered by solar cells to achieve endurance of up to 8 hours. The study is conducted in two stages. The first stage involves optimizing the sizing of solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and a battery energy storage system to meet the power requirements of the UAV. The second stage focuses on designing an aircraft and conducting analyses to obtain aerodynamic curves and performance graphs. The propulsion system is powered by the proposed PV array, with a defined flight profile that will determine the charging and discharging modes of the PV-connected battery. This ensures that the UAV is consistently powered by the solar energy produced by the installed photovoltaic system.

The initial design process utilizes a MATLAB-based methodology to create a code for generating hourly irradiance data specific to Abu Dhabi, UAE. This code allows users to produce hourly irradiance figures, accounting for seasonal variations' impact. The generated data is then analyzed and compared with existing irradiance values from online databases like NASA and ArcGIS. The results demonstrate a close resemblance between the generated and measured irradiance, with a margin of error of 6.8%. This enhances energy management for powering UAVs, facilitating improved operational efficiency.

The obtained hourly irradiance graph aided the optimization of design decisions for the solar power system. The solar system design proved capable of producing sufficient power and energy to sustain the UAV for the required endurance of 8 hours, employing 80 C60 SunPower solar cells distributed over a span of 4-meter wingspan. In addition to the generated hourly irradiance profile, a Maximum Power Point Tracking system (MPPT) based on the incremental conductance method has been designed using MATLAB Simulink. This MPPT system functions as the control system for the solar array. This capability further optimizes the design of the solar power system.

The second part in the iterative design stage was carried out by using high-fidelity software, namely ANSYS Workbench. ANSYS SpaceClaim was used for the design of the aircraft frame components, and ANSYS Fluent for modelling the UAV and performing analysis to obtain the aerodynamic characteristics.

As a result of the iterative PV-UAV design process, the span has been chosen to be 4 m long with a chord of 0.4 m, providing the required surface area for the PV cells to power the UAV. The 3D geometry of multiple airfoils was constructed using ANSYS, as a result, the aerodynamic coefficients were analysed, and the FX 63-137 airfoil was selected as it demonstrated superior performance characteristics. Multiple angles of attack varying from 0° to 12° were tested at different velocities. The simulation results obtained included drag and lift forces acting on the UAV, velocity and pressure distributions, and airstream path lines. The Shear-Stress Transport Turbulence Model (SST) has been used in ANSYS Fluent to model the fluid flow around the UAV. Additionally, a mesh sensitivity study has been conducted to ensure mesh independence.

In conclusion, this paper focuses on optimizing the PV power system and the aircraft design of the UAV. Various approaches will be implemented to optimize the power system, including the accurate calculation of meteorological values such as extraterrestrial irradiance and temperature. Additionally, the paper will explore the simulation of MPPT controller to maximize the output power, alongside simulations using ANSYS Fluent that aim to optimize the aerodynamic performance characteristics of the UAV, including its wings, propeller, and fuselage.

Presenting Author: Salama Almheiri Technology Innovation Institute

Presenting Author Biography: Holder of a master's degree with Distinction in electrical power engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Currently working as a senior associate researcher in the propulsion and space research center, and is pursuing my research in the area of renewable energy implementation in UAVs.

Authors:

Salama Almheiri Technology Innovation Institute
Abrar Alhammadi Technology Innovation Institute
Aijaz Khan Technology Innovation Institute
Sayem Zafar Technology Innovation Institue
Gustavo Dos Santos Technology Innovation institute