Autonomous Soaring and Thermal Mapping with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The research proposed here aims to develop methods to increase the flight time of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using atmospheric energy in the form of rising air thermals, as is often done by glider pilots. This would allow UAVs to rely less on their onboard motor and reduce the amount of energy consumed during flight. We will further develop onboard control algorithms that are able to (a) detect rising air thermals, and (b) to develop onboard maps of these thermals, that allow ongoing tracking of these thermals. Based on our prior work in this area, we will implement our algorithms on various small off-the-shelf radio-controlled platforms retrofitted with an off-the-shelf flight controller. We will test the algorithms in various wind conditions, to evaluate the portability and performance of the algorithm on conventional fixed-wing platforms. Based on the results of these tests, the algorithms and the implemented code will be revised and improved to simplify implementation and enhance flight endurance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Meyer Nahon

Student:

Partner:

Notos Technologies Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: