Agricultural Drone Hybrid Energy System Paper: Optimization of Agricultural Drone Performance and Flight Time Enhancement Using a Solar Wind Hybrid Energy Supply System

Mahyar safaei Jolandan¹

1) Bachelor s student in Agricultural Mechanization Engineering, University of Guilan

IOI Code : AAGF-ABCFGE
Publication : 9th International Conference on Applied Researches in Science & Engineering (carseconf.com/9th)
Abstract :
    The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in precision agriculture is fundamentally constrained by the energy density limitations of conventional battery technologies, resulting in suboptimal operational efficiency and restricted mission duration. This research introduces a novel, integrated solar-wind hybrid energy supply system specifically engineered to augment the endurance of agricultural drones. The proposed architecture synergizes high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) arrays integrated onto the airframe structure with a miniaturized, multi-bladed micro-wind turbine positioned aerodynamically to capitalize on induced airflow during flight and ground operations. A sophisticated Power Management Unit (PMU) utilizing dual Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithms ensures optimized energy harvesting from both intermittent (MPPT) sources, managing the complex interplay between battery charging, direct power supply to propulsion systems, and auxiliary sensor loads. Comprehensive simulations, validated by preliminary field testing, demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid configuration over baseline Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) systems. Specifically, the system achieved an average increase in mission endurance exceeding 40% under typical operational parameters involving extended loitering and moderate cruising speeds, significantly enhancing the feasibility of long duration spraying and monitoring missions. This work establishes a critical step towards sustainable and autonomous agricultural aerial platforms by mitigating dependency on ground-based recharging infrastructure.

Keywords : agricultural uavs hybrid energy systems solar wind power endurance enhancement power management unit (pmu) renewable energy integration drone aerodynamics