Autonomous photovoltaic observatory station integrated with UAV - a case study

¹ Institute of Renewable Energy Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, 40B Nadbystrzycka Str., 20-618 Lublin, Poland
² Student Research Group “Grupa Ogniwo”, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, 40B Nadbystrzycka Str., 20-618 Lublin, Poland

^* Corresponding author: s.gulkowski@pollub.pl

Abstract

Over the past few decades the World has experienced a revolution in Energy production from solar technology, mostly from photovoltaics. On the other hand, an increasing number of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications are also noticed. Combining photovoltaics and UAVs reveals many opportunities for researchers and renewable energy industry. Responding to the challenge of large area observations at remote locations, the conception of an autonomous photovoltaic station integrated with UAV has been proposed. The essential advantage of the station is its energetic autonomy. The station is movable and can be installed in various locations all over the World. It can be implemented for a wide range of applications, i.e. examining hydroelectric, solar or wind power stations. The simulation results of energy production from PV system mounted on the station have been shown in this work. Several issues were taken into account for the calculations: tilt and azimuth of PV modules, irradiation at case study location and energy demand of the station’s equipment. The energy usage of five and eight hours daily of UAV flights was estimated. Energy balance was calculated.