Solar Powered Drones

PV Generator

Bachelor thesis (2020)

Authors

J.R. Koning Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
R. van der Hoorn Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Contributors

P. Manganiello Photovoltaic Materials and Devices - EEMCS (supervisor 1)
P.J. French Bio-Electronics - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
G.R. Chandra Mouli DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
M. Muttillo Photovoltaic Materials and Devices - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright: © 2020 J.R. Koning, R. van der Hoorn
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Published Date

30-06-2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

Drones are unmanned flying vehicles, which can be used for a
broad spectrum of different applications. One of these applications is the
generation of albedo maps. However, it could take some time to map an area.
Therefore problems can occur the with respect to its flight range, which
typically lies between 20 to 45 km for mini UAVs. The goal of this project is
to design a PV powered drone that can create an albedo map of an area that is
equal or bigger than the area of the Technical University of Delft. This is
done by choosing and modelling an UAV system, where after choosing and
modelling a PV generator system. Based on these models, power dynamics and
flight ranges are calculated. The usability is tested for different weather
conditions of Delft. The UAV system with PV generator without protection layers
has a flying range between 129 and 250 km, depending in the irradiance. For the
same system with protective layers, the flight range varies from 117 to 208 km.
the total flight range that is needed to map the area of the TU Delft is 48.75 km.
Therefore, there can be concluded that in both cases our goal has been
achieved. When these results are compared to the weather conditions of the TU
Delft, it can be concluded that on average a UAV system with PV generator will
increase the flight range. However, when comparing this system to a system with
additional batteries, the latter will achieve better results. In order to make
sure that the PV generator system will guarantee a longer flight range, limitations
regarding times, periods and places are made. Keep in mind that since these
results are solely based on models of systems, it's best to create and test the
physical system to validate the found results.

This thesis is written in context of the Bachelor Graduation
Project. We would like to express our gratitude to our daily supervisor
Patrizio Manganiello and our supervisors Andres Calcabrini and Mirco Muttillo
for their guidance during the project. 
Finally we would like to thank our colleagues: Laura Muntenaar and
Sjoerd de Groot of the control algorithm project and Jetse Spijkstra and Martin
Geertjes of the power electronics project for an enjoyable and productive
collaboration.

J. Koning &
R. van der Hoorn

Delft, June 2020