Power Delivery Solutions for Unmanned Aircraft

This case study outlines the challenges faced by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that rely on solar power for extended flight times. It details the importance of maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) circuitry in optimizing solar energy harvesting and its conversion to suitable voltages for battery charging and power delivery. The document describes the key goals for the UAV's power system, which include efficient high voltage to SELV conversion, a compact and lightweight design, and a robust and reliable solution. It also highlights the significance of high-efficiency power-conversion topologies like Zero-Voltage Switching and Zero-Current Switching, which are utilized in Vicor BCMs. The case study presents the specifications of the BCM bus converter modules and ZVS buck-boost regulators, emphasizing their efficiency and compact size, which contribute to the overall performance of the UAV's power delivery network.