Green Technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electric Propulsion System: A Review

Erwan Eko Prasetiyo; Rustam Asnawi

doi:10.29103/jreece.v5i1.16726

Green Technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electric Propulsion System: A Review

Erwan Eko Prasetiyo, Rustam Asnawi

Abstract

The use of fossil energy and coal has a significant impact on global warming through increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). To address this issue, green technologies offer sustainable solutions, including the development of electric propulsion systems on unmanned aircraft (UAVs). Electric propulsion uses clean energy sources such as batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, significantly reducing emissions and air pollution. This research explores the importance of applying green technologies in the optimization of electric propulsion on UAVs, and the resulting environmental and economic benefits. Electric propulsion technology not only reduces carbon footprint and air pollution, but also improves energy efficiency and extends the operational life of UAVs. In addition, it allows UAVs to operate more quietly, reduces noise pollution, and can be used in various sensitive environments. The implementation of green technologies in UAV electric propulsion systems faces challenges such as limited battery capacity and recharging infrastructure. However, with collaboration between industry, government and research institutions, as well as regulatory support and incentives, the development of these technologies can be accelerated to achieve more environmentally friendly and sustainable UAV operations. Through the application of electric propulsion technology, UAVs are expected to provide innovative and sustainable solutions in areas such as aerial surveying, security surveillance, and freight forwarding, while making a positive impact on the environment and sustainability of the global ecosystem.

Keywords

Green Technology, Electric Propulsion, UAV, Energy Efficiency, Emission Reduction

Full Text:

PDF

References

A. Mohammed, A., Shinkafi, A. A., Isah, A., Ajayi, J. A., Pedro, P. T., Asooto, B. C., Ejakita, J. O., & Johnson-Anamemena, N. (2022). Prospects and Challenges of Propulsion Technologies of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Review. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 40(6). https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v40i6.8

Akbar Bagaskara, & Raden Raditya Yudha Wiranegara. (2023, August 11). Akhiri batu bara: ini daftar PLTU baru yang cocok diubah jadi pembangkit biomassa. The Conversation.

Alnumay, Y., Jifri, H., Albrahim, A., Felemban, A., & Abdellatif, F. (2022, October 31). Carbon Footprint Reduction Through the Use of Drones for Inspection Activities. Day 2 Tue, November 01, 2022. https://doi.org/10.2118/210836-MS

Babayomi, O. O., & Makarfi, A. U. (2019). Energy Efficiency in Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A Review. 2019 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica, 569–574. https://doi.org/10.1109/PowerAfrica.2019.8928766

Bahari, M., Rostami, M., Entezari, A., Ghahremani, S., & Etminan, M. (2022). Performance evaluation and multi-objective optimization of a novel UAV propulsion system based on PEM fuel cell. Fuel, 311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2021.122554

BBVL, D., Pal Singh, D., Kumar Kuppa, S., & Jayanthi Rao, M. (2023). Design optimization of drone BLDC motor for delivery service applications. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.07.370

Behera, P., Behera, B., & Sethi, N. (2024). Assessing the impact of fiscal decentralization, green finance and green technology innovation on renewable energy use in European Union countries: What is the moderating role of political risk? Renewable Energy, 229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.120715

Benmoussa, A., & Gamboa, P. V. (2023). Effect of Control Parameters on Hybrid Electric Propulsion UAV Performance for Various Flight Conditions: Parametric Study. Applied Mechanics, 4(2), 493–513. https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech4020028

Cardone, M., Gargiulo, B., & Fornaro, E. (2021). Modelling and experimental validation of a hybrid electric propulsion system for light aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Energies, 14(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133969

Dantsker, O. D., Caccamo, M., & Imtiaz, S. (2020). Propulsion system design, optimization, simulation, and testing for a long-endurance solar-powered unmanned aircraft. AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2020 Forum, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-3966

De Sousa, N., & Moita, M. (2018). Optimization of the Propeller-Driven Propulsion System for a Small UAV.

Duy, V. N., & Kim, H. M. (2020). Review on the hybrid-electric propulsion system and renewables and energy storage for unmanned aerial vehicles. In International Journal of Electrochemical Science (Vol. 15, pp. 5296–5319). Electrochemical Science Group. https://doi.org/10.20964/2020.06.13

Gruber, N., Bakker, D. C. E., DeVries, T., Gregor, L., Hauck, J., Landschützer, P., McKinley, G. A., & Müller, J. D. (2023). Trends and variability in the ocean carbon sink. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 4(2), 119–134. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-022-00381-x

He, C., Jia, Y., & Ma, D. (2020). Optimization and Analysis of Hybrid Electric System for Distributed Propulsion Tilt-Wing UAV. IEEE Access, 8, 224654–224667. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3044449

Idroes, G. M., Hardi, I., Rahman, M. H., Afjal, M., Noviandy, T. R., & Idroes, R. (2024). The dynamic impact of non-renewable and renewable energy on carbon dioxide emissions and ecological footprint in Indonesia. Carbon Research, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44246-024-00117-0

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2023). Overarching Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/faqs/IPCC_AR6_WGII_Overaching_OutreachFAQ2.pdf

Koenhardono, E. S., Prananda, J., & Danian, E. (2017). Analysis of Engine Propeller Matching of DC Motor as a Main Propulsion. In International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research (Vol. 2, Issue 1).

LEI, T., YANG, Z., LIN, Z., & ZHANG, X. (2019). State of art on energy management strategy for hybrid-powered unmanned aerial vehicle. In Chinese Journal of Aeronautics (Vol. 32, Issue 6, pp. 1488–1503). Chinese Journal of Aeronautics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2019.03.013

Li, H., & Liu, K. (2023). Aerodynamic Design Optimization and Analysis of Ducted Fan Blades in DEP UAVs. Aerospace, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10020153

Li, Y., Li, D., Hu, W., & Tang, X. (2021). Throughput Maximization for the System of UAV as Mobile Relay Between Moving Vehicles. In M. Guan & Z. Na (Eds.), Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, LNICST (Vol. 342, pp. 492–504). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66785-6_53

Li, Y., Xiang, S., Wang, S., Huang, J., Zhao, Y., & guo, J. (2016). Research on Optimization Design of UAV Main Propulsion Motor Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm. International Conference on Mechatronics and Automation, 2472–2476.

Wang, M., ZHANG, S., DIEPOLDER, J., & HOLZAPFEL, F. (2020). Battery package design optimization for small electric aircraft. Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, 33(11), 2864–2876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2020.04.021

Wang, R., Wang, X., & Zhu, T. (2025). Research progress and application of carbon sequestration in industrial flue gas by microalgae: A review. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China), 152, 14–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2024.04.018

Wu, J., & Strezov, V. (2023). Green technologies and sustainability. Green Technologies and Sustainability, 1, 1–2.

Zhao, S., Wang, X., Liu, S., & Hao, Y. (2021). Analysis and Optimization of Asynchronous Induction Electromagnetic Propulsion System. In X. Ning & Y. Feng (Eds.), ICMLCA 2021 - 2nd International Conference on Machine Learning and Computer Application (pp. 759–764). VDE VERLAG GMBH. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85137042857&partnerID=40&md5=950577dec7b78c0eb5b8bd52ec92911f

Zong, J., Zhu, B., Hou, Z., Yang, X., & Zhai, J. (2021). Evaluation and comparison of hybrid wing vtol uav with four different electric propulsion systems. Aerospace, 8(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8090256.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29103/jreece.v5i1.16726