Solar unmanned aerial vehicle solar cell array and combined power supply method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a solar unmanned aerial vehicle solar cell array and a combined power supply method thereof, the solar cell array comprises a plurality of solar cell array modules, an intelligent controllable manager and a plurality of MPPT, the plurality of solar cell array modules are arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle, the intelligent controllable manager is connected with the plurality of solar cell array modules, and the intelligent controllable manager is connected with the plurality of solar cell array modules. The MPPT module is used for forming a plurality of solar cell array sub-arrays, and the MPPT modules are correspondingly connected with the solar cell array sub-arrays respectively and are connected with a load. The solar cell array has the beneficial effects that a modular design is adopted, so that the solar cell array is more flexibly arranged at the positions of wings, a fuselage and the like of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the weight is more favorably and uniformly distributed, the flight stability is maintained, and meanwhile, the maintenance and replacement are more convenient; by arranging the intelligent controllable manager, the circuit series-parallel connection layout of the solar cell array is dynamically adjusted, the light energy utilization rate is improved, and the cruising ability of the unmanned aerial vehicle is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of solar unmanned aerial vehicles, and particularly relates to a solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle and a combined power supply method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Solar unmanned aerial vehicles have broad application prospects in the fields of communication relay, environmental monitoring, disaster warning, etc. due to their advantages such as long endurance, low noise, and no pollution. However, the endurance of solar unmanned aerial vehicles is limited by the light energy utilization rate of the solar cell array. Traditional methods for arranging solar cell arrays, such as Figure 1 as shown, have problems such as low light energy utilization rate, uneven weight distribution, and affecting flight stability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle and a combined power supply method thereof, effectively solving the technical problems of low light energy utilization rate, uneven weight distribution, and affecting the flight stability of the unmanned aerial vehicle of the traditional solar cell array, and overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is: A solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising:

[0005] A plurality of solar cell array modules, arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle;

[0006] An intelligent controllable manager, connected to the plurality of solar cell array modules, for forming a plurality of solar cell sub-arrays;

[0007] A plurality of MPPTs, respectively corresponding to and connected to the plurality of solar cell sub-arrays and connected to the load.

[0008] Further, it further comprises a plurality of energy storage battery packs, respectively corresponding to and connected to the plurality of MPPTs.

[0009] Further, the solar cell array module includes a first solar cell array module and a second solar cell array module, and both the first solar cell array module and the second solar cell array module are provided with independent photoelectric conversion units and connection interfaces.

[0010] Further, the number of the solar cell array modules is 5 to 10 times the number of the MPPTs.

[0011] Further, the intelligent controllable manager is provided with an intelligent controllable switch for forming different solar cell sub-arrays.

[0012] The present invention also provides a combined power supply method, using a solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0013] Multiple solar cell strings are connected in series and parallel to form the solar cell array module;

[0014] Multiple of the solar cell array modules form multiple solar cell sub-arrays under the control of the intelligent controllable manager;

[0015] The multiple solar cell sub-arrays are respectively connected to the corresponding MPPT;

[0016] The MPPT is connected to the load.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes connecting multiple energy storage battery packs to the multiple MPPTs respectively in correspondence.

[0018] Furthermore, when the solar cell array module can be evenly irradiated by the sun, the same type of solar cell array modules can be interchanged in different solar cell sub-arrays.

[0019] Furthermore, if one of the MPPTs fails, the intelligent controllable manager allocates the solar cell array module connected to the failed MPPT to the circuits of other normally operating MPPTs.

[0020] Furthermore, if some of the solar cell array modules fail, the intelligent controllable manager rematches the failed solar cell array modules.

[0021] The advantages and positive effects of the present invention are: Due to adopting the above technical solution, with a modular design, the solar cell array can be more flexibly arranged on positions such as the wings and fuselage of the unmanned aerial vehicle, which is more conducive to the uniform distribution of weight and maintaining flight stability, and is also more convenient for maintenance and replacement; by setting the intelligent controllable manager, dynamically adjusting the series and parallel layout of the circuits of the solar cell array, the light energy utilization rate is improved, and the endurance ability of the unmanned aerial vehicle is ensured. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 is a connection schematic diagram of the solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle in the prior art.

[0023] Figure 2 is a connection schematic diagram of the solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 is a connection schematic diagram of the intelligent controllable manager of the solar cell array of a solar unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0025] In the figure:

[0026] 1. Unmanned aerial vehicle wing mechanism 2. Solar cell array module 3. Wire

[0027] 4. Intelligent Controllable Manager 41. Terminal of Solar Array Module 42. Intelligent Controllable Switch

[0028] 43. MPPT Terminal 5. MPPT 6. Energy Storage Battery Pack

[0029] 7. Load Specific Embodiment

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention provides a solar array for a solar drone and a combined power supply method thereof. The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "top", "bottom", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "connect" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood through specific situations.

[0032] As Figure 2 shown, a solar array for a solar drone according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of solar array modules, an intelligent controllable manager, and a plurality of MPPTs. The plurality of solar array modules are arranged on the drone. The intelligent controllable manager is connected to the plurality of solar array modules, so that the plurality of solar array modules are connected in different series-parallel combinations to form different plurality of solar array sub-arrays. The plurality of MPPTs are respectively connected to the plurality of solar array sub-arrays and connected to the load.

[0033] Preferably, it further includes a plurality of energy storage battery packs, which are respectively connected to the plurality of MPPTs by wires. By setting the energy storage battery packs, the storage of electric energy can be realized. When the solar array cannot be irradiated by the sun, the energy storage battery packs can supply power to the load with the stored electric energy.

[0034] Specifically, the solar array module is composed of multiple solar cell strings connected in series and parallel. The solar cell string is composed of multiple solar cells connected in series. The solar array module can be set to different specifications according to the structure of the UAV wing. The modular design of the solar array divides the solar array into multiple small solar array modules. Each module has an independent photovoltaic conversion unit and connection interface, enabling the solar array to be more flexibly arranged on the wing, fuselage, etc. of the UAV, which is more conducive to evenly distributing the weight and maintaining flight stability. At the same time, it is more convenient for maintenance and replacement.

[0035] Preferably, the solar array module includes a first solar array module and a second solar array module. For example, solar array module A includes 10 strings of solar cell strings, and each solar cell string includes 26 solar cells, which is abbreviated as 26 strings in parallel with 10 strings; solar array module B includes 13 strings of solar cell strings, and each solar cell string includes 26 solar cells, which is abbreviated as 26 strings in parallel with 13 strings. The solar array module is composed of 1 to 2 types of modules with the same specifications, which can be conveniently and quickly replaced when a certain module fails, facilitating the reduction of maintenance costs.

[0036] Specifically, the number N of the solar array modules is 5 to 10 times the number n of the MPPT and the energy storage battery pack.

[0037] Specifically, as Figure 3 shown, the intelligent controllable manager is provided with an intelligent controllable switch 42. One end of the intelligent controllable switch 42 is connected to the solar array module terminal 41 for connecting to the solar array module, and the other end is connected to the MPPT terminal 43 for connecting to the MPPT. The intelligent controllable manager controls the series-parallel relationship between different solar array modules through an optimization algorithm, and finally forms n sub-arrays respectively connected to MPPT 1# to n#. The intelligent controllable switch is embedded with an intelligent optimization algorithm, which can perform real-time optimization and adjustment of the series-parallel relationship between the solar array modules according to the current solar illumination conditions, the working conditions of each solar array module (such as whether there is partial occlusion, whether there are short-circuit or open-circuit faults, etc.), the working conditions of the MPPT, and the working conditions of the energy storage battery pack and the load, so that the solar array modules form different solar cell sub-arrays and are electrically connected to different MPPTs.

[0038] A combined power supply method uses a solar array of a solar UAV as described above, including the following steps:

[0039] Multiple solar cells are connected in series to form a solar cell string, and multiple solar cell strings are connected in parallel to form a solar array module.

[0040] Multiple solar array modules are connected to an intelligent controllable management unit through wires. Inside the intelligent controllable management unit, the series and parallel relationships between the solar array modules are realized through intelligent controllable switches, forming multiple different sub-arrays of solar cells. The intelligent layout algorithms adopted by the intelligent controllable switches include genetic algorithms, particle swarm algorithms, and convex optimization algorithms. According to factors such as the flight attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the position of the sun, and weather conditions, the circuit series and parallel layout of the solar array modules is dynamically adjusted to achieve the maximum utilization rate of solar energy.

[0041] Multiple sub-arrays of solar cells are respectively connected to the corresponding MPPTs through wires.

[0042] The MPPT is connected to the corresponding energy storage battery pack through a wire, and the load is connected to the MPPT and the energy storage battery pack through wires. The energy storage battery pack or the MPPT can be used to provide electrical energy for the load.

[0043] When the solar array modules can be evenly irradiated by the sun, the same type of solar array modules can be interchanged in different sub-arrays of solar cells.

[0044] If one of the MPPTs fails, the intelligent controllable management unit distributes the solar array modules connected to the faulty MPPT to the circuits of other normally operating MPPTs.

[0045] If some of the solar array modules fail, to ensure that the voltage and current in the solar array do not deviate due to this, the intelligent optimization algorithm can be used to re-match the series and parallel connections of the faulty solar array modules, and try to ensure that the solar array system maintains the optimal power output state.

[0046] Embodiment 1: A solar cell array for a solar unmanned aerial vehicle is arranged on the wing structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle, including 20 solar array modules A, 20 solar array modules B, 4 MPPTs, and 4 energy storage battery packs. Each solar array module A includes 10 strings of solar cell strings, and each solar cell string includes 26 solar cells. Each solar array module B includes 13 strings of solar cell strings, and each solar cell string includes 26 solar cells. The solar array modules A and B are connected to the intelligent controllable management unit through wires. The intelligent controllable management unit includes an intelligent controllable switch 42. One end of the intelligent controllable switch 42 is connected to a solar array module terminal 41 for connecting to the solar array module, and the other end is connected to an MPPT terminal 43 for connecting to the MPPT. The MPPT is connected to the corresponding energy storage battery pack through a wire, and the load is connected to the MPPT and the energy storage battery pack through wires. When the solar array modules can be evenly irradiated by the sun, the solar array modules A1 - 20# can be replaced with each other, and the solar array modules B1 - 20# can be replaced with each other. At this time, the following connection strategy can be adopted.

[0047]

[0048] Embodiment 2: A solar cell array for a solar UAV is provided on the wing structure of the UAV and includes 20 solar cell array modules A, 20 solar cell array modules B, 4 MPPTs, and 4 energy storage battery packs. Each solar cell array module A includes 10 strings of solar cell strings, and each solar cell string includes 26 solar cells. Each solar cell array module B includes 13 strings of solar cell strings, and each solar cell string includes 26 solar cells. The terminals of the solar cell array modules A and B are connected to the intelligent controllable manager by wires. The intelligent controllable manager includes an intelligent controllable switch 42. One end of the intelligent controllable switch 42 is connected to a solar cell array module terminal 41 for connection to the solar cell array module, and the other end is connected to an MPPT terminal 43 for connection to the MPPT. The MPPT is connected to the corresponding energy storage battery pack by wires, and the load is connected to the MPPT and the energy storage battery pack by wires. In case a certain MPPT fails, to ensure that the continuous flight duration is not affected, the solar cell array modules connected to the faulty MPPT can be redistributed to other normally operating MPPT circuits using an intelligent optimization algorithm. The following connection strategy can be adopted at this time.

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] Embodiment 3: A solar array for a solar drone is arranged on the wing structure of the drone, including 20 solar array modules A, 20 solar array modules B, 4 MPPTs and 4 energy storage battery packs. Solar array module A includes 10 solar cell strings, each solar cell string includes 26 solar cell sheets, and solar array module B includes 13 solar cell strings, each solar cell string includes 26 solar cell sheets. The terminals of solar array module A and solar array module B are connected to the intelligent controllable manager by wires. The intelligent controllable manager includes an intelligent controllable switch 42, one end of which is connected to a solar array module terminal 41 for connecting to the solar array module, and the other end is connected to an MPPT terminal 43 for connecting to the MPPT. The MPPT is connected to the corresponding energy storage battery pack through a wire, and the load is connected to the MPPT and the energy storage battery pack through a wire. If some solar array modules fail, in order to ensure that the voltage and current in the solar array will not be pulled out, the intelligent optimization algorithm can be used to re-match the failed solar array modules in series and parallel, so as to ensure that the solar array system maintains the optimal power output state as much as possible. For example, in this embodiment, A6#, A7#, B6#, B7#, A11#, A12#, B11#, and B12# are blocked by light or fail, resulting in reduced voltage and current. The intelligent controllable manager is used to regroup the solar array modules with reduced performance into a group through intelligent optimization. At this time, the following connection strategy can be adopted.

[0052]

[0053]

[0054] The advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0055] 1. The modular design allows the solar array to be more flexibly arranged on the wings, fuselage and other locations of the drone, which is more conducive to evenly distributing the weight to maintain flight stability, and is also easier to maintain and replace.

[0056] 2. By setting up an intelligent controllable manager, the series and parallel layout of the solar array circuit is dynamically adjusted to improve the utilization rate of light energy and ensure the endurance of the drone.

[0057] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, but the contents described are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and cannot be considered to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. All equivalent changes and improvements made within the scope of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A solar array for a solar-powered drone, characterized in that: include: Multiple solar array modules are installed on the drone; An intelligent controllable manager connected to the plurality of solar cell array modules to form a plurality of solar cell array sub-arrays; A plurality of MPPTs are respectively connected to the plurality of solar cell arrays and connected to the load.

2. The solar cell array for a solar-powered UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a plurality of energy storage battery packs, which are respectively connected to the plurality of MPPTs.

3. The solar cell array for a solar-powered UAV according to claim 2, characterized in that: The solar cell array module comprises a first solar cell array module and a second solar cell array module, and the first solar cell array module and the second solar cell array module are both provided with independent photoelectric conversion units and connection interfaces.

4. The solar cell array for a solar-powered UAV according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of the solar array modules is 5 to 10 times the number of the MPPTs.

5. A solar cell array for a solar-powered UAV according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The intelligent controllable manager is provided with intelligent controllable switches for forming different solar cell arrays.

6. A combined power supply method, using a solar-powered UAV solar array as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: A plurality of solar cells are connected in series and in parallel to form the solar cell array module; The plurality of solar cell array modules form a plurality of solar cell array sub-arrays under the control of the intelligent controllable manager; The plurality of solar cell arrays are respectively connected to the corresponding MPPTs; The MPPT is connected to the load.

7. A combined power supply method according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes connecting multiple energy storage battery groups to the multiple MPPTs respectively.

8. A combined power supply method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When the solar cell array modules can be uniformly irradiated by the sun, the solar cell array modules of the same type can be interchanged among different solar cell arrays.

9. A combined power supply method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: If one of the MPPTs fails, the intelligent controllable manager will distribute the solar array modules connected to the failed MPPT to other MPPT circuits that are operating normally.

10. A combined power supply method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: If some of the solar array modules fail, the intelligent controllable manager will rematch the failed solar array modules.

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