Fundamentals in UAS components
Niveau
Beginner
Learning outcomes of the courses/module
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and Understand Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Components: Recognize the various components of a UAS, including the frame, motors, propellers, battery, flight controller, and sensors; explain the functions of these components within the UAS.
- Evaluate Propulsion Systems: Assess the types of motors and propellers used in UAS; explain how different configurations affect performance, stability, and flight duration.
- Analyze Power Supply and Management: Describe the types of batteries used in UAS and their management systems; analyze how power supply impacts the weight, balance, and endurance of UAS operations.
- Operate Flight Control Systems: Explain how flight controllers manage UAS stability and navigation; integrate and interpret sensor data for effective UAS operation.
- Implement Communication and Telemetry Systems: Evaluate the technologies used for UAS communication and telemetry, including radio, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections; explain how these technologies affect control range and data transmission.
- Select and Integrate Payloads: Select and integrate various payloads (e.g., cameras, sensors, cargo) based on the UAS’s purpose; consider factors like weight, power consumption, and data collection needs.
- Apply Basic Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Develop skills in maintaining drone components for optimal performance; troubleshoot common issues related to hardware and software malfunctions.
Prerequisites for the course
None
Course content
- Introduction to UAS Anatomy: Overview of the basic structure of drones, including the frame, propulsion system, power source, and control system.
- Propulsion System: Deep dive into motors, propellers, and electronic speed controllers (ESCs) and how they work together to control the movement and altitude of the UAS.
- Power Source: Understanding battery technology used in UAS, including types of batteries (e.g., LiPo), battery management, and factors affecting flight time and performance.
- Flight Controllers: Examination of the flight controllers, managing stability, navigation, and data from various sensors.
- Sensors and Navigation: Overview of sensors commonly used in UAS, such as GPS, gyros, accelerometers, and barometers, and their roles in positioning and navigation.
- Communication Systems: Understanding the technology behind remote control and telemetry, including radio frequency (RF) communication, First Person View (FPV) systems, and digital transmission technologies.
- Payloads and Add-ons: Exploration of various payloads UAS can carry, including cameras, surveying equipment, and cargo, and their impact on UAS design and operation.
- Software and Firmware: Introduction to the software that controls UAS, including firmware for flight controllers and applications for flight planning and data analysis.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Basic maintenance practices for keeping UAS operational and troubleshooting common issues related to UAS components.
- Design Considerations: Factors influencing the design of drones, such as aerodynamics, weight distribution, and intended use (e.g., racing, photography, surveying).
Recommended specialist literature
- Tal, D. (2021). Drone Technology in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN: 978-1119545880.
- Casagrande, G., Szabó, G., & Sik, A. (Eds.). (2018). Small Flying Drones Applications for Geographic Observation. Springer. ISBN: 978-3-319-66576-4. https://doi.org/10.1007/97
- Barnhart, R. K., Hottman, S. B., Marshall, D. M., & Shappee, E. (2021). Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems. CRC Press. ISBN: 1000326861, 9781000326864.
Assessment methods and criteria
portfolio tests
Language
English
Number of ECTS credits awarded
4
Share of e-learning in %
15
Semester hours per week
2.0
Planned teaching and learning method
Presentation, group work, discussion, exercises,
Semester/trimester in which the course/module is offered
1
Name of lecturer
Academic year
Key figure of the course/module
1_6
Type of course/module
integrated lecture
Type of course
Compulsory