Impact analysis of solar cells on fixed-wing UAV: simulation-based performance evaluation under varying environmental conditions

Abstract The demand for renewable energy is increasing rapidly due to the need for environmental sustainability and the reduction of energy costs. Solar energy, with its high potential and minimal environmental impact, has become a key energy source, particularly in innovative applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The integration of solar cells into fixed-wing UAVs enables extended flight durations and enhances operational efficiency, making them a viable solution for long-endurance missions. In this study, the effects on flight performance, energy consumption and battery management of a fixed wing UAV equipped with solar cells are investigated. Two UAV models with the same aerodynamic characteristics, one with solar cells and the other powered only by the battery, are comparatively analysed. Using a simulation model, the effects of solar irradiation, temperature and environmental factors on the energy management of the UAV were evaluated. The findings indicate that the solar-powered UAV has the capability to sustain uninterrupted 24-hour flight by recharging its battery during daylight hours, whereas the battery-only model is restricted to approximately 14 hours of flight time. In the solar-powered model, dynamic altitude management strategies were employed to extend flight duration, utilising excess energy to determine optimal operational scenarios. Furthermore, the integration of solar cells was found to optimise battery consumption, thereby enabling more sustainable flight operations. These results demonstrate that solar-powered fixed-wing UAVs offer significant advantages for long duration missions and present an efficient solution for energy management.