Extended-range eVTOL unmanned aerial vehicle hybrid power system and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an extended-range eVTOL unmanned aerial vehicle hybrid power system and an operation method thereof, and relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle power system measurement and control. The system comprises an upper computer, a hybrid power system controller, a CAN bus cable, a serial port cable, ground detection equipment and an airborne power manager, and is used for unit control, parameter measurement and acquisition and state alarm. The method comprises the steps that an unmanned aerial vehicle power system works cooperatively, and parameter measurement is carried out; reporting parameter measurement information, giving an alarm in time when the state exceeds the limit, and sending out a corresponding emergency disposal suggestion; controlling each unit of the hybrid power system controller to perform self-inspection; and if it is confirmed that the state belongs to the over-limit state, emergency measures are taken. According to the invention, each mechanism is relatively independent, the architecture is compact, and complete information processing flows such as measurement and acquisition, analysis and judgment, control and output, monitoring and alarm, emergency processing and the like of the unmanned aerial vehicle power system can be carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of measurement and control of unmanned aerial vehicle power systems, and in particular relates to an extended-range eVTOL unmanned aerial vehicle hybrid power system and an operation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, eVTOL drones are basically powered by pure electricity. As an important part of drones, the power system provides reliable flight power for the drone platform, enabling the drone to complete take-off, climb, cruise, landing and other flight processes according to the designed flight profile, and reach the use altitude requirements. Pure electric power drive has significant advantages in terms of noise, low cost, and environmental protection, but is limited by the current development of power battery technology. The flight time and distance of pure electric power-driven eVTOL drones are limited, and can only meet the needs of ultra-short-distance use. For short-distance and long-distance use scenarios, it cannot meet the actual needs.

[0003] The extended-range eVTOL UAV can not only meet the long-distance use scenarios, but also has good adaptability to various complex climate environments. The extended-range power system includes not only the engine and generator, but also other parts such as cooling, oil supply, and lubrication configured for the safe and reliable operation of the engine and generator. The measurement and control of the hybrid power system will directly affect the performance of the UAV platform. Good measurement and control methods will provide guarantees for maximizing the efficiency of the hybrid power system and meeting the various indicators of the UAV platform.

[0004] At present, the performance guarantee of UAVs mainly stays in the research on fault diagnosis of rotors, etc. Chinese patent CN118732673A (publication date: October 1, 2024) discloses a method, system and unmanned rotorcraft power unit fault diagnosis method for unmanned rotorcraft under closed-loop conditions based on unknown observers, which comprehensively considers the characteristics of closed-loop control and lack of sensor perception of the UAV flight control system. On the basis of the original UAV flight state monitoring, based on the soft measurement method, an unknown input observer is introduced to indirectly measure the rotor speed, and the time and location of the fault are determined by weighted modeling of the estimated error and error increment. The method of the present invention can improve the detection rate of UAV rotor faults, so that rotor faults can be discovered in time and UAV accidents and losses caused by rotor faults can be avoided. The invention realizes the fault diagnosis of the UAV rotor power unit.

[0005] Regarding the measurement and control of UAV power systems, Chinese patent CN111042933A (publication date: April 21, 2020) discloses a light UAV engine intelligent control system and its implementation method. Through sensors, the engine temperature, speed, load and throttle position information are obtained, and the parameters of the engine working process are monitored in real time. The fuel and air of the piston engine are precisely controlled, which solves the problem that the fuel amount of traditional carburetor engines cannot be adjusted during flight, and improves engine stability and fuel economy. This invention mainly focuses on the measurement and control of the engine, and further research is needed in the measurement and control of the power performance of the UAV hybrid power system.

[0006] For the extended-range power system, which is a hybrid power system integrating engine, generator, ventilation cooling, lubrication, and fuel supply, it is necessary to study a UAV power system measurement and control device and method, which can not only collect the parameter information required for measurement, but also control the coordinated work of various actuators to ensure that the UAV works stably within the flight envelope and meets the use requirements. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system and an operation method thereof, which can provide reliable guarantee for the output of the hybrid power system and meet the stable working requirements of the UAV platform. The hybrid power system includes a host computer, a hybrid power system controller, a CAN bus cable, a serial port cable, a ground detection device, and an airborne power manager;

[0008] The hybrid power system controller includes a power preprocessing unit, an engine measurement and control unit, a generator measurement and control unit, and a fuel measurement and control unit;

[0009] The power preprocessing unit is used to process the direct current output by the drone power manager and provide it to the engine measurement and control unit, the generator measurement and control unit and the fuel measurement and control unit respectively, and has a short-circuit protection function;

[0010] The engine measurement and control unit includes an engine controller and an engine system parameter sensor, which are used for engine control, engine parameter measurement and collection, and engine status alarm;

[0011] The generator measurement and control unit includes a generator controller and a generator system parameter sensor, which are used for generator control, generator parameter measurement and collection, and generator status alarm;

[0012] The fuel measurement and control unit includes a fuel system controller and a fuel system parameter sensor, which are used to complete fuel pump control, fuel parameter measurement and collection, and fuel status alarm;

[0013] The hybrid power system controller exchanges data with the host computer and the actuator via a CAN bus cable;

[0014] The internal measurement and control unit of the hybrid power system controller exchanges data via a serial port cable;

[0015] The ground detection equipment is used to detect ground information; the host computer is used to control the coordinated operation of various mechanisms of the UAV power system; and the airborne power manager is used to supply power to various mechanisms of the UAV power system.

[0016] Furthermore, the engine parameter measurement and collection includes engine state parameters and engine system parameters;

[0017] The engine state parameters provided by the engine controller include engine speed and throttle position;

[0018] The engine system parameters are engine cylinder head temperature, exhaust temperature, lubricating oil temperature, and lubricating oil pressure collected by the engine system parameter sensor.

[0019] Furthermore, the fuel parameter measurement and collection is the collection of fuel system parameters including fuel quantity, fuel supply pressure, fuel temperature, low fuel level signal, and switch signal collected by the fuel system parameter sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the generator parameter measurement and collection includes generator status information and generator system parameters;

[0021] The generator state parameters are the generator speed and the generator torque provided by the generator controller;

[0022] The generator system parameters are the motor temperature and the generator system controller temperature collected by the generator system parameter sensor.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication functions of the CAN bus cable and the serial port cable are determined according to the data information type of the hybrid power system and the overall communication requirements of the UAV platform.

[0024] Furthermore, the power preprocessing unit processes the direct current sent by the airborne power manager and provides it to the engine measurement and control unit, the generator measurement and control unit and the fuel measurement and control unit respectively, and the power preprocessing unit has a short-circuit protection function.

[0025] Furthermore, the engine controller includes a relay and an actuator, the actuator includes an engine throttle actuator and a cooling fan actuator, and the relay includes an ignition relay and a parking relay.

[0026] A method for measuring and controlling a hybrid power system of an extended-range eVTOL unmanned aerial vehicle comprises the following steps:

[0027] S1, the host computer issues instructions to control the UAV power system to work in coordination and perform parameter measurement;

[0028] S2, the hybrid power system reports the parameter information of each unit and the ground detection equipment reports the measurement information to the host computer, and promptly issues an alarm when the state exceeds the limit, and issues corresponding emergency disposal suggestions;

[0029] S3. If the host computer receives the alarm information and suggestions from the hybrid power system or the ground detection equipment, it controls each unit of the hybrid power system controller to perform self-check;

[0030] S4. The hybrid power system controller performs a self-check, and if it is confirmed to be in an over-limit state, emergency measures are taken.

[0031] Furthermore, the hybrid power system controller has a self-protection function and will not accept a self-test instruction sent by the host computer or the ground detection equipment due to an accidental touch during normal operation.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present application has the following advantages and effects:

[0033] 1. The invention provides an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system, which is suitable for UAVs powered by aviation piston engines. With the hybrid power system controller as the core, it is equipped with a controller with measurement and control functions, sensors, communication channels, host computers, etc. Each mechanism is relatively independent, with a compact architecture, centralized interfaces, high processing efficiency, and does not increase the complexity of the UAV system, and does not occupy too much of the limited UAV platform bus communication channel.

[0034] 2. The present invention provides an operation method for a hybrid power system of an extended-range eVTOL UAV. The hybrid power system controller has self-checking and self-protection functions. The device can perform complete information processing procedures such as measurement and collection, analysis and judgment, control and output, monitoring and alarm, and emergency handling, so that the operation is stable, safe and reliable during the measurement and control process of the hybrid power system of the extended-range eVTOL UAV.

[0035] The above is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application so that it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows.

[0036] Based on the detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present application in combination with the accompanying drawings below, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the prior art descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In all drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, each element or part is not necessarily drawn according to the actual scale.

[0038] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a hybrid power system of an extended-range eVTOL UAV according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure numerals: 1. Host computer; 2. Hybrid power system controller; 201. Power preprocessing unit; 202. Engine measurement and control unit; 2021. Engine controller; 2022. Engine system parameter sensor; 203. Generator measurement and control unit; 2031. Generator controller; 2032. Generator system parameter sensor; 204. Fuel measurement and control unit; 2041. Fuel system controller; 2042. Fuel system parameter sensor; 3. Ground detection equipment; 4. Airborne power manager. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] To make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiment of the present application clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiment of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. In the following description, specific details such as specific configurations and components are provided only to help fully understand the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. In addition, for clarity and brevity, the description of known functions and structures is omitted in the embodiment. It should be understood that "one embodiment" or "this embodiment" mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, "one embodiment" or "this embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0042] In addition, the present application may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed.

[0043] The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, and A and B exist at the same time. The term " / and" in this article describes another type of association relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be two relationships. For example, A / and B can mean: A exists alone, and A and B exist alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0044] It should also be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system, including a host computer 1, a hybrid power system controller 2, a CAN bus cable, a serial port cable, a ground detection device 3, and an airborne power manager 4;

[0047] The hybrid power system controller 2 includes a power preprocessing unit 201, an engine measurement and control unit 202, a generator measurement and control unit 203, and a fuel measurement and control unit 204;

[0048] The power preprocessing unit 201 is used to process the DC power output by the drone power manager and provide it to the engine measurement and control unit 202, the generator measurement and control unit 203 and the fuel measurement and control unit 204 respectively, and has a short-circuit protection function;

[0049] The engine measurement and control unit 202 includes an engine controller 2021 and an engine system parameter sensor 2022, which are used for engine control, engine parameter measurement and collection, and engine status alarm;

[0050] The generator measurement and control unit 203 includes a generator controller 2031 and a generator system parameter sensor 2032, which are used for generator control, generator parameter measurement and collection, and generator status alarm;

[0051] The fuel measurement and control unit 204 includes a fuel system controller 2041 and a fuel system parameter sensor 2042, which are used to complete fuel pump control, fuel parameter measurement and collection, and fuel status alarm;

[0052] The hybrid power system controller 2 exchanges data with the host computer 1 and the actuator via a CAN bus cable;

[0053] The internal measurement and control unit of the hybrid power system controller 2 exchanges data via a serial cable;

[0054] Specifically, the hybrid power system controller exchanges data with the host computer and the ground detection equipment via a CAN bus;

[0055] Specifically, the power supply preprocessing unit 201, the engine measurement and control unit 202, the generator measurement and control unit 203, and the fuel measurement and control unit 204 exchange data via a serial port.

[0056] The ground detection device 3 is used to detect ground information; the host computer 1 is used to control the coordinated operation of various mechanisms of the UAV power system; and the airborne power manager 4 is used to supply power to various mechanisms of the UAV power system.

[0057] Furthermore, the engine parameter measurement and collection includes engine state parameters and engine system parameters;

[0058] The engine state parameters provided by the engine controller 2021 include engine speed and throttle position;

[0059] The engine system parameters are the engine cylinder head temperature, exhaust temperature, lubricating oil temperature, and lubricating oil pressure collected by the engine system parameter sensor 2022 .

[0060] Furthermore, the fuel parameter measurement and collection is the fuel system parameters collected by the fuel system parameter sensor 2042, including fuel quantity, fuel supply pressure, fuel temperature, low fuel level signal, and switch signal collection.

[0061] Furthermore, the generator parameter measurement and collection includes generator status information and generator system parameters;

[0062] The generator state parameters are the generator speed and the generator torque provided by the generator controller 2031;

[0063] The generator system parameters are the motor temperature and the generator system controller temperature collected by the generator system parameter sensor 2032 .

[0064] Furthermore, the communication functions of the CAN bus cable and the serial port cable are determined according to the data information type of the hybrid power system and the overall communication requirements of the UAV platform.

[0065] Furthermore, the power preprocessing unit 201 processes the DC power sent by the airborne power manager 4 and provides it to the engine measurement and control unit 202, the generator measurement and control unit 203 and the fuel measurement and control unit 204 respectively. The power preprocessing unit 201 has a short-circuit protection function.

[0066] Furthermore, the engine controller 2021 includes relays and actuators, the actuators include an engine throttle actuator and a cooling fan actuator, and the relays include an ignition relay and a parking relay.

[0067] Technical effect of this embodiment: This embodiment provides an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system, which can effectively solve the problems of a wide variety of measurement and collection parameters and complex signal types in the extended-range eVTOL UAV power system, limited installation space for control actuators, and mutual influence of logical relationships.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system operation method based on Embodiment 1, characterized in that it includes the following steps:

[0070] S1, the host computer 1 issues instructions to control the UAV power system to work in coordination and perform parameter measurement;

[0071] Specifically, the power preprocessing unit 201 processes the DC power output by the drone power manager and provides it to the engine measurement and control unit 202, the generator measurement and control unit 203 and the fuel measurement and control unit 204 respectively, and has a short-circuit protection function;

[0072] The engine controller 2021 controls relays and actuators to control engine operation and provide engine speed and throttle position; the engine system parameter sensor 2022 collects engine cylinder head temperature, exhaust temperature, lubricating oil temperature, and lubricating oil pressure.

[0073] The generator controller 2031 controls the generator operation and provides the generator speed and generator torque; the generator system parameter sensor 2032 collects the motor temperature and the generator system controller temperature.

[0074] The fuel system controller 2041 controls the action of the fuel pump relay, and the fuel system parameter sensor collects fuel quantity, fuel supply pressure, fuel temperature, low fuel level signal, and switch signal.

[0075] The ground detection equipment 3 collects ground information.

[0076] S2, the hybrid power system reports the parameter information of each unit and the ground detection equipment 3 reports the measurement information to the host computer 1, and promptly issues an alarm when the state exceeds the limit, and issues corresponding emergency disposal suggestions;

[0077] S3, if the host computer 1 receives the alarm information and suggestions from the hybrid power system or the ground detection equipment 3, it controls each unit of the hybrid power system controller 2 to perform self-check;

[0078] S4. The hybrid power system controller 2 performs a self-check, and if it is confirmed to be in an over-limit state, emergency measures are taken.

[0079] Furthermore, the hybrid power system controller 2 has a self-protection function and will not accept a self-test instruction sent by the host computer 1 or the ground detection device 3 due to an accidental touch during normal operation.

[0080] Technical effect of this embodiment: This embodiment provides a hybrid power system operation method for an extended-range eVTOL UAV. The measurement and control method has rich acquisition parameters and numerous control functions, can provide reliable guarantee for the output of the hybrid power system, and meet the stable working requirements of the UAV platform.

[0081] Example 3

[0082] This embodiment is an operation method of a hybrid power system of an extended-range eVTOL UAV based on the above embodiment, comprising the following steps:

[0083] S1, the host computer 1 issues instructions to control the UAV power system to work in coordination and perform parameter measurement;

[0084] S2, the hybrid power system reports the parameter information of each unit and the ground detection equipment 3 reports the measurement information to the host computer 1, and promptly issues an alarm when the state exceeds the limit, and issues corresponding emergency disposal suggestions;

[0085] S3, if the host computer 1 receives the alarm information and suggestions from the hybrid power system or the ground detection equipment 3, it controls each unit of the hybrid power system controller 2 to perform self-check;

[0086] S4. The hybrid power system controller 2 performs a self-check, and if it is confirmed to be in an over-limit state, emergency measures are taken.

[0087] Specifically, the emergency measures include rapidly controlling and cutting off the unit with the problem, continuously monitoring, and automatically adjusting the parameters of other units to meet the normal return requirements of the UAV.

[0088] Specifically, the hybrid power system controller 2 has a self-protection function and will not accept a self-test instruction sent by the host computer 1 or the ground detection device 3 due to an accidental touch during normal operation.

[0089] The technical effect of this embodiment is that this embodiment provides an extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system operation method, which realizes parameter collection and measurement and actuator control during the operation of the UAV hybrid power system, and has complete hybrid power system self-test, signal collection and measurement, control, status monitoring and alarm and emergency functions.

[0090] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which does not limit the protection scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be modified and varied in various ways. Within the spirit and principle of the present invention, any change, modification, replacement, integration and parameter change of these embodiments by conventional substitution or capable of achieving the same function without departing from the principle and spirit of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system, characterized in that: It includes a host computer (1), a hybrid power system controller (2), a CAN bus cable, a serial port cable, a ground detection device (3), and an airborne power manager (4); The hybrid power system controller (2) comprises a power preprocessing unit (201), an engine measurement and control unit (202), a generator measurement and control unit (203), and a fuel measurement and control unit (204); The power preprocessing unit (201) is used to process the direct current output by the drone power manager and provide it to the engine measurement and control unit (202), the generator measurement and control unit (203) and the fuel measurement and control unit (204), and has a short-circuit protection function; The engine measurement and control unit (202) comprises an engine controller (2021) and an engine system parameter sensor (2022), which are used for engine control, engine parameter measurement and collection, and engine status alarm; The generator measurement and control unit (203) comprises a generator controller (2031) and a generator system parameter sensor (2032), which are used for generator control, generator parameter measurement and collection, and generator status alarm; The fuel measurement and control unit (204) comprises a fuel system controller (2041) and a fuel system parameter sensor (2042), which are used to complete fuel pump control, fuel parameter measurement and collection, and fuel status alarm; The hybrid power system controller (2) exchanges data with the host computer (1) and the actuator via a CAN bus cable; The internal measurement and control unit of the hybrid power system controller (2) exchanges data via a serial port cable; The ground detection device (3) is used to detect ground information; the host computer (1) is used to control the coordinated operation of various mechanisms of the UAV power system; and the onboard power manager (4) is used to supply power to various mechanisms of the UAV power system.

2. The extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engine parameter measurement and collection includes engine state parameters and engine system parameters; The engine state parameters provided by the engine controller (2021) include engine speed and throttle position; The engine system parameters are the engine cylinder head temperature, exhaust temperature, lubricating oil temperature, and lubricating oil pressure collected by the engine system parameter sensor (2022).

3. The extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel parameter measurement and collection is the collection of fuel system parameters including fuel quantity, fuel supply pressure, fuel temperature, low fuel level signal, and switch signal collected by the fuel system parameter sensor (2042).

4. The extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The generator parameter measurement and collection includes generator status information and generator system parameters; The generator state parameters are the generator speed and the generator torque provided by the generator controller (2031); The generator system parameters are the motor temperature and the generator system controller temperature collected by the generator system parameter sensor (2032).

5. The extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication functions of the CAN bus cable and the serial port cable are determined according to the data information type of the hybrid power system and the overall communication requirements of the UAV platform.

6. The extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power preprocessing unit (201) processes the direct current sent by the onboard power manager (4) and supplies it to the engine measurement and control unit (202), the generator measurement and control unit (203) and the fuel measurement and control unit (204), respectively. The power preprocessing unit (201) has a short-circuit protection function.

7. The extended-range eVTOL UAV hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engine controller (2021) comprises a relay and an actuator, wherein the actuator comprises an engine throttle actuator and a cooling fan actuator, and the relay comprises an ignition relay and a parking relay.

8. The method for operating a hybrid power system of an extended-range eVTOL UAV according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1, the host computer (1) issues instructions to control the UAV power system to work in coordination and perform parameter measurement; S2, the hybrid power system reports the parameter information of each unit and the measurement information of the ground detection equipment (3) to the host computer (1), and promptly issues an alarm if the state exceeds the limit, and at the same time issues corresponding emergency disposal suggestions; S3, if the host computer (1) receives the alarm information and suggestions from the hybrid power system or the ground detection equipment (3), it controls each unit of the hybrid power system controller (2) to perform self-check; S4. The hybrid power system controller (2) performs a self-check, and if it is confirmed to be in an over-limit state, emergency measures are taken.

9. The method for operating a hybrid power system of an extended-range eVTOL UAV according to claim 8, characterized in that: The hybrid power system controller (2) has a self-protection function and will not accept a self-test instruction sent by the host computer (1) or the ground detection equipment (3) due to an erroneous touch during normal operation.

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