Cost-Efficient Design of an Energy-Neutral UAV-Based Mobile Network

This work proposes a framework to design cost-efficient unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based energy-neutral (EN) system deployed harvest data from set of internet-of-things (IoT) nodes. The energy-neutrality refers the zero-sum balance between energy harvested, stored, and consumed during operation, which is game-changer when connection electricity grid not available/feasible. involves employing an off-grid charging station (CS) comprising photovoltaic (PV) panels batteries that provide enough recharge UAV-based access points (AAPs). investment cost determined by number AAPs, PV panels, ground battery units. Its minimization cannot be achieved using conventional optimization tools due non-tractable form CS load. Therefore, novel wave-based method proposed represent load profile as proportional function required so directly relate trajectory optimization. Compared baseline scenarios, can halve time consumption; varies with season service; particularly advantageous in rural areas, while urban areas its comparable grid-connected alternative.