Enhancing communication efficiency in solar UAVs: A rigorous design method with deformable configuration

Solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (SPUAVs) serve as effective airborne base stations, leveraging their extended endurance and high cruising altitudes for wide-ranging communication services. Despite their potential, the design space for SPUAVs is constrained, necessitating an innovative approach to enhance their efficiency. This paper presents a rigorous design methodology for SPUAVs incorporating deformable configurations, aiming to optimize photovoltaic energy harvesting efficiency. We established a comprehensive model encompassing communication and energy balance. Subsequently, a heuristic algorithm is engaged to identify the optimal parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that, while expanded communication coverage necessitates increased mass allocation (exemplified by a 150% mass escalation from 120 kg to 300 kg), the implementation of deformable configuration demonstrates substantial mass efficiency improvements, which can achieve up to a 17% reduction in total weight. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing the operational capabilities of SPUAVs, offering a balanced perspective on design considerations for energy efficiency and mission effectiveness.