Energy Aware Aerial Surveillance for a Long Endurance Solar-Powered UAV

In this paper, the energy optimal trajectories for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) surveillance are explored. The main objective is to have maximum sensor coverage range while maintaining a perpetual flight. A solar powered UAV equipped with photovoltaic cells mounted on its wing and rechargeable batteries is considered. The photovoltaic cells generate solar energy based on the position of the sun, attitude of the UAV, and sky clarity. The vehicle aims to optimize the energy storage in the batteries and coverage during the day. However, the sensor resolution diminishes due to altitude gain. A model for optimal coverage, path planning, and power allocation in a solar powered UAV is proposed and the corresponding simulation results are presented. In addition, the effect of maximum altitude gain on the energy storage is studied based on a reduced hybrid model.

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