Modeling and Simulation of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle Power System

Robotic vehicles such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have multiple sources of power, including batteries, fuel cells, combustion engines, ultracapacitors, and solar cells to allow for extended periods of operation. Fuel-based power sources have a higher specific energy than batteries, which is why most current automobiles are gasoline-powered. Batteries have many other advantages in terms of low noise profile, easy replacement, and direct energy conversion. Solar charging allows for harvesting of natural resources to increase total energy reserves. Mission duration may be maximized using a combination of power systems.