Overview of Propulsion Systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Bowen Zhang, Zaixin Song, Fei Zhao and Chunhua Liu
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Bowen Zhang: Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
Zaixin Song: Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
Fei Zhao: School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
Chunhua Liu: Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion technology is significantly related to the flight performance of UAVs, which has become one of the most important development directions of aviation. It should be noted that UAVs have three types of propulsion systems, namely the fuel, hybrid fuel-electric, and pure electric, respectively. This paper presents and discusses the classification, working principles, characteristics, and critical technologies of these three types of propulsion systems. It is helpful to establish the development framework of the UAV propulsion system and provide the essential information on electric propulsion UAVs. Additionally, future technologies and development, including the high-power density motors, converters, power supplies, are discussed for the electric propulsion UAVs. In the near future, the electric propulsion system would be widely used in UAVs. The high-power density system would become the development trend of electric UAVs. Thus, this review article provides comprehensive views and multiple comparisons of propulsion systems for UAVs.

Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV); electric aircraft; propulsion system; engines; power supply; electrified transportation; electric motor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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