Reducing Ground Impact Hazards of a Solar UAV Through Modelling and Analysis

The research described was conducted by a student team dedicated to finding sustainable and long-endurance systems and outlines an innovative solar panel UAV aircraft solution. Our prototype demonstrated the feasibility of the concept, while the second aircraft, currently in the design phase, aims to improve performance further and allow for extended self-powered flight time. The sustainable approach of our project addresses the growing need to reduce the environmental impact of transportation technologies. The main objective of this study is to address the requirements of the Specific Category - Civil Drones regulation, promulgated by EASA, regarding the risk associated with the impact of the aircraft on the ground in case of an in-flight failure. To address this issue, we conducted an in-depth analysis of possible failure scenarios and their consequences on the safety of the aircraft and people on the ground. Furthermore, the team developed models for risk assessment to evaluate the risk associated with solar panel UAV operation. To mitigate the risk of impact, we considered using a parachute, the effectiveness of which was analysed using a dynamic model implemented in Simulink. The analysis allowed us to evaluate the semi-controlled descent of the aircraft with the parachute attached, providing valuable information to optimize the safety system further. In conclusion, our study significantly contributes to ensuring the safety of our model in flight and on the ground through ground-impact risk management while promoting the development of sustainable and innovative solutions in the aviation field.