Abstract:
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as an important component for
enhancing the coverage and capacity of next generation wireless networks. However,
the use of UAVs is challenging because of crucial power management. The power
management becomes more sophisticated for rotary-wing UAVs, the most
commonly used ones, which require more energy as payload and flight actions
increase. The current study investigates the energy consumption of UAVs with
varied payloads during hovering and moving operations. The effects of payloads
such as cameras, sensors, GPS modules, communication systems, and flight
controllers on UAV power consumption are investigated in this study. It is very
much necessary to comprehend these energy dynamics for optimal UAV design and
maximizing operational effectiveness. Key findings show how payload configuration
and flying conditions affect energy requirements. Two regression-based empirical
mathematical models for hovering and moving conditions representing the
relationship between the power consumption of UAV and its weight with payloads
are proposed. This rigorous analysis of power consumption of UAV provides
valuable insights into optimizing UAV design and operation in next-generation
wireless networks. The findings of the work, including the proposed mathematical
models, are expected to help researchers and engineers develop more energy-
efficient UAVs, resulting in extended flight periods and improved operational
reliability.
