Research on route planning for solar UAV based on the intelligent optimization algorithm

Sci Prog. 2023 Jul-Sep;106(3):368504231187498. doi: 10.1177/00368504231187498.

Abstract

The solar unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) route planning needs to comprehensively consider the conversion efficiency of solar cells under the influence of solar ground reflection radiation and sky scattering radiation. On the one hand, it is necessary to consider the cost of radar threat, mileage energy consumption, mountain impact and other costs. On the other hand, it is also necessary to consider the influence of high threat, mountain shadow occlusion cost, and cloud shading cost on solar photovoltaic conversion efficiency. The above problem was solved through using the ant colony intelligent optimization algorithm. By constructing ant colony paths rationally, models of mountain impact cost, high threat, mountain shadow shelter cost, and cloud shading cost were established. The constraints such as the maximum action distance, solar irradiation angle and effective action distance of various costs were introduced into the cost model and exploration factor calculation, and the comprehensive optimization problem of solar UAV route was solved. Finally, the simulation results show that the algorithm path structure is reasonable; the target node can be found independently; the convergence speed can meet the requirements of route planning; the generated route cost is small; the algorithm is reasonable and effective.

Keywords: Ant colony intelligent optimization algorithm; cloud occlusion; mountain shadow occlusion; route planning; solar UAV.