Flight Capability Analysis Among Different Latitudes for Solar Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Mateusz Kucharski, Maciej Milewski, Bartłomiej Dziewoński, Krzysztof Kaliszuk, Tomasz Kisiel () and Artur Kierzkowski
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Mateusz Kucharski: Department of Technical Systems Operation and Maintenance, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 48, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
Maciej Milewski: Department of Technical Systems Operation and Maintenance, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 48, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
Bartłomiej Dziewoński: Department of Technical Systems Operation and Maintenance, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 48, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
Krzysztof Kaliszuk: Department of Technical Systems Operation and Maintenance, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 48, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
Tomasz Kisiel: Department of Technical Systems Operation and Maintenance, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 48, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
Artur Kierzkowski: Department of Technical Systems Operation and Maintenance, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 48, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the flight endurance of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Flight endurance is usually only analyzed under the operating conditions for the location where the UAV was constructed. The fact that these conditions change in a different environment of its operation has been missed. This can be disastrous for those looking to operate such a system under different geographical conditions. This work provides critical insights into the design and operation of solar-powered UAVs for various latitudes, highlighting strategies to maximize their performance and energy efficiency. This work analyzes the endurance of small UAVs designed for practical applications such as shoreline monitoring, agricultural pest detection, and search and rescue operations. The study uses TRNSYS 18 software to employ solar radiation in the power system performance at different latitudes. The results show that flight endurance is highly dependent on solar irradiance. This study confirms that the differences between low latitudes in summer and high latitudes in winter are significant, and this parameter cannot be ignored in terms of planning the use of such vehicles. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing the balance between UAV mass, solar energy harvesting, and endurance. While the addition of battery mass can enhance endurance, the structural reinforcements required for increased weight may impose practical limitations. The scientific contribution of this work may be useful for both future designers and stakeholders in the operation of such unmanned systems.

Keywords: solar UAV; flight endurance; energy system; latitude (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: 2025
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