Conceptualizing an efficient battery cooling design for autonomously charging UAVs

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry, driven by diverse applications and investments, necessitates innovations in power management to enhance operational efficiency and safety. In particular, drone technology relying on fixed battery suffers from scarce research addressing cooling during both charging and in flight operations. A critical challenge is posed by the management of thermal performance of lithium-ion batteries in automated UAV systems, where continuous operation without manual intervention is required. This thesis addresses the problem of battery overheating and its impact on performance and safety. The objective is to conceptualize an efficient battery cooling system for UAVs, focusing on transferring heat away from the battery during both flight and charging phases.

The research runs thermal simulations using Ansys Icepak to analyze various cooling designs. The Baseline model, which is the current design in use, was validated against experimental data, showing a temperature rise in the battery during typical UAV operation. New cooling concepts, including conduction with natural and forced convection, were developed and simulated. The results indicate that an effective battery cooling system can maintain battery temperatures within safe operation limits, thereby extending battery life and ensuring UAV reliability and operational efficiency. The study concludes that integrating advanced cooling solutions in UAV design can significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve overall system safety. This work provides a foundation for further optimization and practical implementation of cooling solutions for autonomous charging UAVs.