Alta Devices and PowerOasis are partnering to develop what they believe is the world’s first reference design for integrated solar and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery power systems for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Combining Alta Devices’ solar technology with PowerOasis’ expertise in hybrid power systems, small UAV developers can focus on leveraging their core expertise in aircraft design and performance. An aircraft designer will be able to leverage this reference design to manage the complete energy generation, storage and power management system for a UAV. This is without having to bring this capability in-house, saving time and resources than can be better allocated to payload design and aircraft aerodynamics.
The reference architecture will target 2-4 meter (6.5-13 feet) span UAVs, using 5s-7s Li-ion batteries. Features include:
• High efficiency, light weight, modular power systems;
• Management of battery packs using a cell vendor agnostic, flexible battery management system (BMS);
• Communication to ground control and on-board auto pilot with continuous real time power and energy data; and
• Conditioned power outputs for critical power and payload systems
The targeted release-date for the design is late 2017. For more details, visit http://www.poweroasis.com and http://www.altadevices.com.