Rechargeable Battery Requirements for UAVs, Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles, and MAVs

2 Rechargeable Battery Requirements for UAVs, Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles and MAVs 

Several rechargeable batteries are available for UAVs, UCAVs, and MAVs whose performance characteristics are summarized in Table 7.13. The user can select the most suitable battery for the application once he or she performs a brief tradeoff study in terms of battery performance, cost, and reliability. Because weight and output power of the battery are the most critical parameters, energy density (Wh/kg) must be given serious consideration in the selection of a rechargeable battery for UAV, UCAV, or MAV application. When a specific battery meets all other performance parameters, battery cost becomes a secondary selection parameter. 

Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries are best suited for high-altitude and long-endurance UAV or MAV applications. Ni-Cd batteries offer compact size, lower weight, and high reliability. These batteries are widely used where procurement cost and life cycle are the most critical factors. These batteries allow the UAVs, MAVs, and electronic drones to accomplish their missions over extended durations. Ni-MH batteries are heavier than Ni-Cd batteries and therefore must be avoided for UAV applications, if weight is a o-itical parameter. In general, both of these batteries are used in portable system applications. If cost is the most critical factor, Ni-MH and lithium-ion batteries are not suitable for certain applications. 

Maintenance requirement 30-60 days 60-90 days Not required 30-50 days 

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