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Hybrid Powerplant Design and Energy Management for UAVs: Enhancing Autonomy and Reducing Operational Costs

Author

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  • Javier A. Quintana

    (ENGREEN—Laboratory of Engineering for Energy and Enviromental Sustainability, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain)

  • Carlos Bordons

    (ENGREEN—Laboratory of Engineering for Energy and Enviromental Sustainability, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain
    Department of Systems Engineering and Automation, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain)

  • Sergio Esteban

    (Department of Aerospace Engineering, Universidad de Sevilla, 41092 Seville, Spain)

  • Julian Delgado

    (Zelenza S.L., 28053 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

This study presents the design of a hybrid powerplant for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), improving its autonomy compared to power systems based solely on batteries. The powerplant is designed for the Mugin EV-350 aircraft. Using experimental data from electric motors in a wind tunnel and fuel cells, a comparative analysis of different energy management strategies, such as fuzzy logic and passive, is conducted to reduce the operational and maintenance costs. A Python-based software program is developed and utilized for the real-time implementation and simulation of energy management strategies, with data collected in databases. This study integrates experimental data (wind tunnel and fuel cells) with real-time EMS strategies, and simulation-based predictions indicate practical improvements in endurance and cost reduction, as well as an increase in flight autonomy of 50%.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier A. Quintana & Carlos Bordons & Sergio Esteban & Julian Delgado, 2025. "Hybrid Powerplant Design and Energy Management for UAVs: Enhancing Autonomy and Reducing Operational Costs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:12:p:3101-:d:1677580
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Huicui & Pei, Pucheng & Song, Mancun, 2015. "Lifetime prediction and the economic lifetime of Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 154-163.
    2. JiHyun Choi & Hyun-Jong Park & Jaeyoung Han, 2025. "Development of Hydrogen Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Multicopter System Thermal Management and Power Management System Based on AMESim," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Luxon Nhamo & James Magidi & Adolph Nyamugama & Alistair D. Clulow & Mbulisi Sibanda & Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2020. "Prospects of Improving Agricultural and Water Productivity through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-18, July.
    4. Massimo Cardone & Bonaventura Gargiulo & Enrico Fornaro, 2021. "Modelling and Experimental Validation of a Hybrid Electric Propulsion System for Light Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-16, July.
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