Impact of Battery Technologies on UAV Performance: A Sizing-Based Equation Analysis

Manel  Mizat; Bachir  Bendjedia; Nassim  Rizoug

doi:10.34118/ajeee.v1i1.4890

Manel Mizat LACoSERE Laboratory, University of Amar Telidji, Laghouat 03000, Algeria
Bachir Bendjedia LACoSERE Laboratory, University of Amar Telidji, Laghouat 03000, Algeria
Nassim Rizoug ESTACA Laboratory, Laval 53061, France

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34118/ajeee.v1i1.4890

Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicles, LiPo batteries, battery sizing, flight endurance, take-off power, specific energy

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of advanced battery technologies on the operational characteristics of batterypowered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with an emphasis on minimizing battery mass and improving the efficiency of the power system. A lithium polymer battery-powered hexacopter was employed as a case study to assess these effects. Performance parameters including take-off power, take-off mass, and flight duration were analyzed to determine the impact of battery selection. The findings demonstrate that UAV performance and endurance are highly dependent on the type of battery, with lighter batteries exhibiting higher energy densities, resulting in extended flight durations and improved overall performance. However, considerations such as battery cost and volumetric constraints also play a significant role in selecting the most suitable energy source for specific UAV missions. This research underscores the pivotal role of battery technology in UAV development and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the trade-offs involved in optimizing battery selection for various operational requirements.