Design and Fabrication of a Solar Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a solar-powered fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The main goal is to enhance the range and endurance of battery-powered UAVs, which are often limited by the battery capacity. While a battery with a higher capacity improves performance, it also adds extra weight to the UAV. By utilizing solar energy, it is possible to recharge the battery during flight or use the renewable energy system to support the UAV's operation, thus balancing the trade-off between performance and weight. In this study, the design process included the use of 3D modeling software SIEMENS NX to create a conceptual design and Fusion 360 to test and simulate the structure of the main wing. Airfoil selection and aerodynamic analysis were performed using XFLR5. Performance analysis was based on theoretical approaches and mathematical formulas. The resulting UAV was able to extend its range and endurance while minimizing the weight of the required battery. This paper demonstrates the potential for using solar power to improve the performance and efficiency of UAVs.