An extended methodology for sizing solar unmanned aerial vehicles: Theory and development of a python framework for design assist

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the most diverse application areas from agriculture to remote sensing, that determine the need to project and define mission profiles of the UAVs. In addition, solar photovoltaic energy increases the flight autonomy of this type of aircraft, forming the term Solar UAV. This study proposes an extended methodology for sizing Solar UAVs that take off from a runway. This methodology considers mission parameters such as operating location, altitude, flight speed, flight endurance, and payload to sizing the aircraft parameters, such as wingspan, area of embedded solar cells panels, runway length required for takeoff and landing, battery weight, and the total weight of the aircraft. Using the Python language, we developed a framework to apply the proposed methodology and assist in designing a Solar UAV. With this framework, it was possible to perform a sensitivity analysis of design parameters and constraints. Finally, we performed a simulation of a mission, checking the output parameters.