Abstract: As a tropical country, Indonesia has unlimited source of solar energy. This advantage can be used to increase the performance of mini unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., its endurance or flight time without adding significant mass or increasing the size of the fuel system). Hence, a vehicle is designed to simulate the advantage of using the unlimited available renewable green solar energy together with a comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements in design requirements & objectives (payload, speed, range/endurance), aero-configuration, solar-based power integration, and hybrid energy management strategies for UAVs. Key components, including motors, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), propellers, and energy storage systems, are examined alongside emerging technologies such as photovoltaic (PV) materials. Power management techniques, including maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and intelligent energy control algorithms, are also discussed in the context of long-endurance missions. Challenges related to energy density, weight constraints, environmental adaptability, and component integration are highlighted, with insights into potential solutions and future directions. The objectives of this design simulation are to guide the development of efficient, sustainable, and high-endurance UAV platforms leveraging electric-solar hybrid propulsion systems.

Keywords: Solar energy, Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Renewable green energy, Endurance, Design simulation, Solar cell, Tropical country

Pages: 12-19

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