Integrated batteries layout and structural topology optimization for a solar-powered drone

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an integrated optimization scheme for a solar-powered drone structure. Consider a primary beam in the wing of large aspect ratio, where 100 lithium batteries are assembled. In the proposed integrated optimization, the batteries are considered here as parts of the load-carrying structure. The corresponding mechanical behaviors are simulated in the structural design and described with super-elements. The batteries layout and the structural topology are then introduced as mixed design variables and optimized simultaneously to achieve an accordant load-carrying path. Geometrical nonlinearity is considered due to the large deformation. Different periodic structural configurations are tested in the optimization in order to meet the structural manufacturing and assembly convenience. The optimized designs are rebuilt and tested in different load cases. Maintaining the same structural weight, the global mechanical performances are improved greatly compared with the initial design.