Энергетика беспилотных авиационных систем

Энергетическая политика. 2023. № 8(187). С. 26–37.

Холкин Д., Чаусов И., Шуранова А. А.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially of the smaller classes, are becoming increasingly applicable for civil purposes and are forming a rapidly growing market. This brings forward the problem of finding such a way to fuel them that would ensure maximum flight range without significant increase in UAV weight and size. We discern three such ways which constitute an alternative to present-day engines and will be determinant in supplying UAVs in the future: batteries, photovoltaic systems, and fuel cells. We also consider hybridization as one of the key trends in UAV energy of the future. With regard to the latter, we also analyze two frontier technological tendencies: the enhancement of power density in batteries and of pressure – in hydrogen storage tanks. We conclude that these should become determinant directions of Russia’s policy in terms of UAV energy supply.

Keywords: Unmanned aerial vehicles, Wireless power transfer, batteries, photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, swapping, tethering, hydrogen storage tanks, беспилотные воздушные суда, аккумуляторные батареи, фотоэлектрические системы, водородные топливные элементы, подзарядка методом подкачки, беспроводная лазерная подзарядка, привязные БВС, водородные баллоны