The Research on Hybrid Electric Power System for Renewable Energy UAVs

Abstract

More and more attention is paid to the pollution and emission issues in aviation, renewable energy is applied on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Solar and hydrogen energy were used in the hybrid power system to achieve the goals of zero-emission and long endurance. The power system was carefully designed to maximize its efficiency. The connection among solar cells, fuel cells and lithium batteries which were used in power system was discussed. The coupling relationship among propeller, motor and batteries (including solar cells, fuel cells and lithium batteries) was studied. The effects of power system configuration on system efficiency were analyzed. The results show that well-matched propeller, motor and batteries can effectively improve the power system efficiency.