Energy-optimal Flight of a Solar-assisted Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The harnessing of solar energy during the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provides a potential solution to combat the energy constraints. This thesis examines the practicality of a mini solar-assisted UAV and provides experimental validation in regards to energy maximization through solar-electric power management and flight path optimization. A solar-assisted UAV is constructed and shows an increase in flight time. In addition, through the application of power management techniques, an increase in net energy for the solar-assisted UAV is observed. A simulation environment is also developed providing a model for the UAV and estimations for the energy collected and consumed during flight. The simulation results are consistent with real-time measurements during flight tests. Finally, an energy-optimal flight path increasing the net energy is obtained and successfully demonstrated during flight tests.M.A.S