Ground Tests of Hybrid Electric Power System for UAVs

Abstract

As the aviation has realized the seriousness of pollution and emission issues, people have taken efforts to use renewable energy on planes or UAVs. This paper focused on the applications of solar and hydrogen energy to UAVs. A hybrid power system, consisting of solar cells, fuel cells and lithium batteries, was discussed. To achieve the hybridization of power sources, a prototype of a power management unit (PMU) was fabricated. After the installation of a test system for synthesizing power sources, PMU and load, a series of ground tests were executed to verify the mathematical model of lithium battery and the reliability of the hardware. Ground data confirmed the feasibility of hybrid power system.