Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, various methods of observation from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are being widely developed. There are many ways of increasing the amount of information retrieved from captured material. Unfortunately, hardware solutions consume a lot of energy, which is unacceptable in UAV applications, as it can have direct impact on the observing time on UAV. Those kinds of problems have been identified during the development phase of stabilizing platform in Polish Research Space Centre in Warsaw. As a result of that fact, energy saving control methods have been implemented, which estimates quality of stabilization process for the observation-tracking device (OTD).
Design/methodology/approach
Mathematical model has been designed and validated with real-life experiments for the purpose of optimization of stabilization and control process. Two types of controlling algorithms have been implemented: linear quadratic regulator and proportional derivative method for driving the mechanism. Based on numerical simulations of the mechanical model being controlled by the mentioned driver, it was possible to define membership functions. After the process of defuzzification, the controller predicts quality of stabilization under defined environmental working conditions.
Findings
An autonomous energy saving system has been created that can be implemented in many applications, where environmental conditions may change significantly.
Practical implications
To test the proposed fuzzy controller, OTD has been chosen as an example object of application. It is a mechanical platform which houses the optical observation system. It is designed to provide the best working conditions during flight.
Originality/value
That kind of decision-making unit has never been implemented before during observations which were carried out during flying of an object. That innovative controller should bring significant energy consumption savings.