Energy optimal path planning of an unmanned solar powered aircraft

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Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Turkey

Approval Date: 2013

Thesis Language: English

Student: Erdem Emre Pınar

Co-Supervisor: Derek Baker, DEREK KEITH BAKER

Abstract:

In this thesis, energy optimal route of an unmanned solar powered air vehicle is obtained for the given mission constraints in order to sustain the maximum energy balance. The mission scenario and the constraints of the solar powered UAV are defined. Equations of motion are obtained for the UAV with respect to the chosen structural properties and aerodynamic parameters to achieve the given mission. Energy income and loss equations that state the energy balance, up to the position of the UAV inside the atmosphere are defined. The mathematical model and the cost function are defined according to the mission constraints, flight mechanics and energy balance equations to obtain the energy optimal path of the UAV. An available optimal control technique is chosen up to the mathematical model and the cost function in order to make the optimization. Energy optimal path of the UAV is presented with the other useful results. Optimal route and the other results are criticized by checking them with the critical positions of the sun rays.