Effect of flapping wings on power generation for bio-inspired UAVs using solar cells

• Grant number: 23/15904-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Douglas Domingues Bueno
• Grantee: Vítor Donegá Marchiori
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03128-7 - Aeroelastic analysis and control of bio-inspired UAVs for engineering applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Flapping Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (FWUAVs) are a class of bio-inspired UAVs, or robotic birds, and they are based on the flight principles of birds and insects, such that the lift and thrust forces are mainly generated by the motion of their wings. Many current FWUAVs have a short flight duration due to the typical limited onboard energy. However, the use of an energy harvesting system integrated into the structure, such those involving solar cells, is a promising strategy to improve these aerial vehicles. Therefore, this research project aims to investigate how power generation in solar cells can be used to increase the autonomy of FWUAVs. The work involves the design of a bio-inspired UAV, integrating distributed solar cells on its wings and fuselage. Flexible solar cells are considered to be connected to the vehicle's battery through a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charger. Flight autonomy can be predicted based on theoretical models, and bench tests are proposed to determine the additional flight time achieved using solar cells. Experimental tests are proposed to measure power and aerodynamic forces in terms of the flapping frequency. This research contributes for developing a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles.