Methodology of design parameters characterization of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles

Аuthors

Samoilovskii A. A.^*, Liseitsev N. К.^**

Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), 4, Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, А-80, GSP-3, 125993, Russia

*e-mail: artem.samoylovskiy@gmail.com
**e-mail: avia101@mai.ru

Abstract

The goal of the work is creation of the methodology of the solar-powered UAVs design parameters characterization.

The task of the solar-powered flight vehicle designing as well as any flight vehicle implementing aerodynamic flight principle comes to fulfillment of fundamental equations, that describe any projected plane as heavier than air flight vehicle with ability to fly in a certain altitude envelope and velocity range, make evolutions, take off and land at established class airfield.

Design problem of a solar-powered flying vehicle as well any other flying vehicle, realizing aerodynamic flight principle is reduced to design parameters characterization, which define any designed aircraft as a heavier-than-air flying vehicle able to fly in a predetermined flight altitude envelope and speed range, maneuver, take off and land at airfields of a certain class. The main of these relationships are as follows: mass balance equation; gravitation balance equation; power balance equation, as well as stability and balancing equation of an aircraft. In mathematical formulation of the problem, the design means meeting the above- mentioned requirements, considering the imposed constraints on either parameters, or characteristics. Solar-powered UAV design has some peculiarities due to the specific type of power plant.

The suggested methodology defines weight and geometry of solar-powered UAV depending on payload weight and power consumption. The methodology based on comparatively limited weight, obtained in consequence of gravitation and energy balance equation, and real weight, obtained from mass balance equation.

For more precise weight calculation, we create new weight models of aircraft elements. The aircraft parameters restrictions are included in the methodology due to atmosphere turbulence.

The methodology can be helpful as well in forecasting of solar-powered aircraft development if we take into account advanced technologies.

Keywords:

unmanned aerial vehicle, solar-powered airplane, solar cell, design parameters characterization

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