Airplane-Quadcopter UAV Hybrid Incorporating Power Regeneration Technologies & Weight Minimization

Abstract

This paper encompasses the developments by a California State Polytechnic University, Pomona student engineering team to increase the endurance and range of an airplane-quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hybrid via in-flight power regeneration and structural battery integration. Electric UAVs are commonly limited by low range and flight endurance, limiting the capabilities of an operator and affecting their mission. Increasing these parameters would allow a UAV to operate in both surveillance and inspection roles for extended periods of time in civilian and military capacities. Additionally, by combining the flight characteristics of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft with the hovering ability of a quadcopter, a UAV can become vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capable and can maneuver over points of interest more precisely. An off-the-shelf quadcopter and airplane are to be extensively modified by the team to create the hybrid craft, with structural batteries replacing conventional wing spars, solar cells replacing the upper wing skins, and wireless induction coils replacing the lower wing skins. A power management system will be used to efficiently control battery usage and balance generated power from flight along power distribution lines and robotic recharging stations with expended power from flight operations. These ground stations will be built to remotely swap drained batteries with fresh replacements, with the aircraft automatically returning to recharge, then launching again to resume autonomous flight.