Design och implementering av ett kraftförsörjningssystem för den hybrida UAV:n SÓLFAR : Kraftförsörjning för en hybrid solcellsdriven UAV

With the ongoing increase in global average temperature, forest fires are becoming an increasingly severe problem. To address this issue, the SÓLFAR project is being developed as a collaboration between KTH Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and the South African company EnviroVision Solutions. The aim of the project is to design a solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that can be used for aerial surveillance to facilitate early detection of forest fires. The SÓLFAR UAV is still under development and currently lacks a functional power management system. The goal is to integrate Photovoltaics (PVs) with Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries in a hybrid configuration to extend flight duration. Harvesting solar energy efficiently is a key challenge, typically addressed using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology. However, since most commercial solutions are designed for ground-based systems, solar-UAVs often require custom implementations. Due to fluctuating irradiance levels, a battery backup is essential to ensure continuous operation. The primary challenge is to integrate the PVs, Li-ion batteries, and the onboard electronics into a cohesive system. The system must dynamically manage power distribution by charging the batteries when solar power is abundant and supplementing power from the batteries when solar energy is insufficient. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate an existing design for the SÓLFAR UAV, refine it, and develop an improved power management system. This was achieved through software simulations, hardware design and production, and the programming of both a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and a Microcontroller Unit (MCU). The results indicate that the system functions as intended, though further refinements are needed to ensure reliable in-flight operation.