Power generation system and aircraft

Abstract

This power generation system is provided with: a light power generation unit that is disposed in an aircraft that provides a wireless communication service to a user terminal in a communication area formed on the ground; a power storage unit which is connected to the light power generation unit and stores power generated by the light power generation unit; and a power regulator that converts the generated power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit. The power storage unit is connected, for example, in parallel with a connection between the photovoltaic power generation unit and the power conditioner, and the power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the power conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation system and an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] There is a technique for improving the recovery rate or utilization rate of the generated power of a power generation device such as a solar power generation panel described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-090852. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a power generation system. The power generation system may also include: a photoelectric power generation unit disposed in an aircraft that provides wireless communication services to user terminals within a communication area formed on the ground; a power storage unit connected to the photoelectric power generation unit and storing the generated power generated by the photoelectric power generation unit; and a power conditioner that converts the generated power generated by the photoelectric power generation unit.

[0007] In the power generation system, the power storage unit may be connected in parallel between the photoelectric power generation unit and the power conditioner, and the power stored in the power storage unit may be supplied to the power conditioner. The power generation system may also further include: a switching control unit that switches to supply the current from the photoelectric power generation unit to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit. The switching control unit may perform switching so that when the measurement result of the power generation amount of the photoelectric power generation unit is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the current from the photoelectric power generation unit is supplied to the power conditioner, and when the measurement result of the power generation amount of the photoelectric power generation unit is lower than the threshold value, the current from the photoelectric power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit. The threshold value may be a value that can determine whether the measurement result corresponds to a weak current. The switching unit may be a switch for switching to supply the current from the photoelectric power generation unit to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit.

[0008] The power generation system according to any one of the above may further include: an information acquisition unit that acquires flight-related information related to the flight of the aircraft, wherein the switching control unit may also switch the supply of the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit based on the flight-related information. The switching control unit may also perform switching based on the flight-related information so that, in a state where the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit is presumed to be large, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power conditioner, and in a state where the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit is presumed to be small, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit. The switching control unit may perform switching to supply the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit to the power storage unit when the time period during which the aircraft is flying is a time period pre-determined as a sunrise time period. The switching control unit may perform switching to supply the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit to the power storage unit when the time period during which the aircraft is flying is a time period pre-determined as a sunset time period. The aircraft may also have a front-side photovoltaic power generation unit disposed on the front side of the wing portion of the aircraft and a back-side photovoltaic power generation unit disposed on the back side of the wing portion, and the switching control unit may switch the supply of the generated current to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit for each of the front-side photovoltaic power generation unit and the back-side photovoltaic power generation unit based on the flight-related information. The flight-related information may also include the flight position of the aircraft. When the aircraft is flying on a specific path, the flight-related information may also include the flight path of the aircraft. The flight-related information may also include the attitude of the aircraft. The flight-related information may also include the moving direction of the aircraft. The flight-related information may also include the moving speed of the aircraft. The flight-related information may also include the wind speed around the aircraft. The flight-related information may also include the sun altitude. The flight-related information may also include the noon altitude of the sun. The flight-related information may also include the intensity distribution of light at the flight altitude or flight location. The flight-related information may also include the reflection ability at the flight altitude or flight location. The flight-related information may also include the degree of light scattering at the flight altitude or flight location. The flight-related information may also include the output current amount from the photovoltaic power generation unit. The flight-related information may also include the output voltage from the photovoltaic power generation unit. The switching control unit may also estimate the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit based on the flight path of the aircraft and the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit when the aircraft flew on this flight path in the past, and perform control so that when the estimated power generation amount is less than a pre-determined threshold, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit, and when the estimated power generation amount is more than the threshold, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power conditioner.The switching control unit may also estimate the inclination of the aircraft based on wind information obtained from another aircraft flying ahead of the aircraft equipped with the switching control unit on the same flight path, estimate the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit based on the estimated inclination of the aircraft, and perform control so that when the estimated power generation amount is less than a predetermined threshold, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit, and when the estimated power generation amount is more than the threshold, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power conditioner.

[0009] In the power generation system according to any one of the above, the power storage unit may also be connected in series with the photovoltaic power generation unit and the power conditioner, and the power stored in the power storage unit may also be supplied to the power conditioner. The power conditioner may also control whether to receive power from the power storage unit. The power conditioner may also adjust whether to receive power from the power storage unit through a switch. The power conditioner obtains the measurement result of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit, and performs control so that when the measurement result is higher than a predetermined threshold, it receives power from the power storage unit, and when the measurement result is lower than the threshold, it does not receive power from the power storage unit.

[0010] In the power generation system according to any one of the above, the power storage unit may also be connected to the connection between the photovoltaic power generation unit and the power conditioner, and the power stored in the power storage unit may also be supplied to a system other than the power conditioner. The power storage unit may also be connected to the connections of a plurality of the photovoltaic power generation units and a plurality of the power conditioners respectively, and the power stored in the power storage unit may also be supplied to a system other than the power conditioner. The power converted from the generated power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit by the power conditioner may also be supplied to the motor provided in the aircraft, and the power stored in the power storage unit may also be supplied to a communication-related device related to the communication of the aircraft.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aircraft equipped with the power generation system, the aircraft including: a flight control device that controls the flight of the aircraft using the power converted by the power conditioner.

[0012] It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, sub-combinations of these feature groups may also form an invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 An example of HAPS200 is schematically shown.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the power generation system 20 included in HAPS200.

[0015] Figure 3 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0016] Figure 4 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0017] Figure 5 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0018] Figure 6 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0019] Figure 7 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0020] Figure 8 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0021] Figure 9 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0022] Figure 10 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234.

[0023] Figure 11 Schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 1200 that functions as a control device including the switching control unit 237 and the information acquisition unit 238. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] A converter directly connected to a solar cell requires a certain amount of input power or more. Therefore, in many cases, when the weather is bad or there is no certain brightness, it is impossible to efficiently convert weak power, and there are cases where power generation is impossible. A stratospheric platform such as a HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station) that flies in the stratosphere with a solar power generation panel mounted and forms a wireless communication area on the ground is likely to generate weak power due to the influence of the shape, posture, and time period (sunshine irradiation method) of the aircraft and the balloon, and it is expected that a large amount of power will be wasted. In the present embodiment, a power storage unit for recovering weak power is introduced into the power generation system of the stratospheric platform.

[0025] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims. In addition, the combination of the features described in the embodiments is not necessarily essential for the solution of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1An example of the HAPS200 is schematically shown. The HAPS200 may be an example of an aircraft that provides wireless communication services to user terminals 70 within a communication area 204 formed by irradiating a beam 202 onto the ground.

[0027] The HAPS200 includes a wing portion 220, a photovoltaic power generation portion 230, a propeller 240, an elevator 250, a central portion 260, and a pod 270.

[0028] The photovoltaic power generation portion 230 includes a photovoltaic power generation panel that receives light and generates electricity. The photovoltaic power generation panel may also be a so-called solar power generation panel. The photovoltaic power generation portion 230 may also be composed of a plurality of photovoltaic power generation panels. The photovoltaic power generation portion 230 may also include a plurality of panel strings formed by connecting a plurality of photovoltaic power generation panels.

[0029] The HAPS200 includes a plurality of batteries 280 (not shown). The plurality of batteries 280 are dispersedly arranged in all or part of the wing portion 220, the central portion 260, and the pod 270. The plurality of batteries 280 are charged by the electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation portion 230.

[0030] Within the central portion 260, a flight control device 262 and a communication control device 264 are arranged. The flight control device 262 controls the flight of the HAPS200. The communication control device 264 controls the communication of the HAPS200.

[0031] The flight control device 262 controls the flight of the HAPS200, for example, by controlling the rotation of the propeller 240. In addition, the flight control device 262 controls the flight of the HAPS200, for example, by changing the angle of the elevator 250. The flight control device 262 may also include various sensors such as a positioning sensor (such as a GPS sensor), a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a wind speed sensor, and manage the position, posture, moving direction, moving speed of the HAPS200, and the wind speed around the HAPS200.

[0032] The communication control device 264 forms a communication area 204 on the ground using an SL (Service Link) antenna. The communication control device 264 may also form a service link with a user terminal 70 on the ground using the SL antenna. The SL antenna may also be a multi-beam antenna. The communication area 204 may also be a multi-cell.

[0033] The communication control device 264 may also form a feeder link with a gateway 40 on the ground using an FL (Feeder Link) antenna. The communication control device 264 may also access the network 30 via the gateway 40.

[0034] The communication control device 264 can also communicate with the communication satellite 50 using a satellite communication antenna. The communication control device 264 can also access the network 30 via the communication satellite 50 and the satellite communication station 60.

[0035] The communication control device 264 can also communicate with the communication control device 264 mounted on other HAPS 200 via the gateway 40 or the communication satellite 50, and the network 30.

[0036] The user terminal 70 can be any communication terminal as long as it can communicate with the HAPS 200. For example, the user terminal 70 is a portable telephone such as a smart phone. The user terminal 70 can also be a tablet terminal and a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The user terminal 70 can also be a so-called IoT (Internet of Thing) device. The user terminal 70 can include all terminals conforming to the so-called IoE (Internet of Everything).

[0037] The HAPS 200 relays the communication between the network 30 and the user terminal 70 via, for example, a feeder link or the communication satellite 50, and a service link. The HAPS 200 can also provide a wireless communication service to the user terminal 70 by relaying the communication between the user terminal 70 and the network 30.

[0038] The network 30 includes a mobile communication network. The mobile communication network can be based on any one of communication methods such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G (5th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), and communication methods after 6G (6th Generation). The network 30 can also include the Internet.

[0039] The HAPS 200, for example, sends the data received from the user terminal 70 within the communication area 204 to the network 30. In addition, when the HAPS 200 receives data destined for the user terminal 70 within the communication area 204 via the network 30, the HAPS 200 sends the data to the user terminal 70. The HAPS 200 can also relay the communication of other HAPS 200. For example, the HAPS 200 directly communicates with other HAPS 200 wirelessly, sends the data received from the other HAPS 200 via the network 30, or sends the data received from the network 30 to the other HAPS 200.

[0040] The management device 400 manages multiple HAPS 200. The management device 400 can also communicate with the HAPS 200 via the network 30 and the gateway 40. The management device 400 can also communicate with other HAPS 200 via the network 30, the gateway 40, and one HAPS 200. The management device 400 can also communicate with the HAPS 200 via the network 30, the satellite communication station 60, and the communication satellite 50.

[0041] The management device 400 controls the HAPS 200 by sending instructions. The management device 400 can also cause the HAPS 200 to hover over the target area so that the communication area 204 covers the target area on the ground. For example, the HAPS 200 maintains the feeder link with the gateway 40 by flying in a circular orbit over the target area while adjusting the pointing direction of the FL antenna, and maintains the coverage of the communication area 204 over the target area by adjusting the pointing direction of the SL antenna.

[0042] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the power generation system 20 included in the HAPS 200. Figure 2 The power generation system 20 shown includes a panel string 231 formed by connecting multiple power generation panels, and a power conditioner 232 that converts the generated power of the panel string 231. Moreover, it includes a power storage unit 234 that is connected to the panel string 231 and stores the generated power of the panel string 231. As Figure 2 shown, the power generation system 20 can also include multiple combinations of the panel string 231, the power conditioner 232, and the power storage unit 234. As an example of the power conditioner 232, MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) can be cited.

[0043] The power generation system 20 can also include a photovoltaic panel instead of the panel string 231. As examples of the power storage unit 234, capacitors, supercapacitors, capacitors, and batteries can be cited.

[0044] Multiple power conditioners 232 can also be connected to the bus 290. As Figure 2 shown, a PDU (Power Distribution Unit) 244, a motor 242, and a propeller 240, an SDU (State Distribution Unit) 254, a motor 252, and an elevator 250, and a battery 280 can also be connected to the bus 290. In addition, any devices such as a flight control device, an antenna, and a light (not shown in the figure) can also be connected to the bus 290.

[0045] The HAPS200 flies, for example, within a predetermined range in the stratosphere, and the panel string 231 generates electricity by sunlight. However, due to various factors, the amount of generated electricity sometimes decreases. For example, at sunrise and sunset, the sunlight reaching the panel string 231 is weak, so the amount of electricity generated by the panel string 231 decreases. In addition, sometimes the wing portion 220 of the HAPS200 also has a curved surface shape. Even during the day, depending on the posture of the HAPS200, the amount of electricity generated by the panel string 231 sometimes decreases. Moreover, the farther the flight area of the HAPS200 is from near the equator, the less sunlight reaches the panel string 231. In addition, depending on the season, sometimes the sunlight reaching the panel string 231 decreases.

[0046] In this example, the power conditioner 232 connected to the panel string 231 supplies power to the motor 242, the motor 252, etc., and thus requires a relatively high output. The power conditioner 232 requires input power above a certain level. When the amount of electricity is less than a certain amount, it cannot be converted into output power. In this way, sometimes the power smaller than the minimum power that the power conditioner 232 can convert into output power is recorded as weak power. When the power generated by the panel string 231 is weak power, regardless of whether the panel string 231 is generating electricity or not, this power is discarded.

[0047] In response to this, the power generation system 20 according to this embodiment recovers weak power through the power storage unit 234.

[0048] Figure 3 An example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234 is schematically shown. In Figure 3 the example shown, the power storage unit 234 is connected in series with the panel string 231 and the power conditioner 232. The power generated by the panel string 231 is stored in the power storage unit 234, and the power stored in the power storage unit 234 is supplied to the power conditioner 232.

[0049] When the panel string 231 outputs weak power, if it is supplied to the power conditioner 232 as in the prior art, it cannot be converted into output power in the power conditioner 232, and this weak power is discarded. In response to this, through Figure 3 the power generation system 20 shown, the power generated by the panel string 231 is stored in the power storage unit 234, flows after becoming aggregated power, and is supplied to the power conditioner 232. Therefore, it is possible to prevent weak power from being discarded.

[0050] In Figure 3In the example shown, the power regulator 232 can also control whether to receive power from the power storage unit 234. The power regulator 232 can also adjust whether to receive power from the power storage unit 234 through a switch or the like. For example, the power regulator 232 obtains the measurement result of the power generation amount of the panel string 231 and performs control so that when the measurement result is higher than a predetermined threshold, power is received from the power storage unit 234, and when the measurement result is lower than the threshold, power is not received from the power storage unit 234. The power regulator 232 can also obtain, for example, the measurement result of the ammeter disposed between the panel string 231 and the power storage unit 234 disconnected. By performing such control, for example, during the period when the panel string 231 outputs weak power, the weak power is stored in the power storage unit 234, and when the panel string 231 outputs more power than the weak power, power can be supplied to the power regulator 232.

[0051] Figure 4 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234. In Figure 4 the example shown, the connection between the power storage unit 234 and the panel string 231 and the power regulator 232 is connected in parallel. The power stored in the power storage unit 234 is supplied to the power regulator 232.

[0052] As Figure 4 shown, by arranging the power storage unit 234 for the connection of the panel string 231 and the power regulator 232, the weak power generated by the panel string 231 can be stored in the power storage unit 234.

[0053] Figure 5 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234. In Figure 5 the example shown, the power generation system 20 includes a switching unit 236 and a switching control unit 237.

[0054] The switching unit 236 can also be a switch for switching to supply the current from the panel string 231 to the power regulator 232 or to the power storage unit 234. As Figure 4 shown, the switching unit 236 can also be arranged at a position branched from the connection of the panel string 231 and the power regulator 232 to the power storage unit 234. The switching unit 236 can also be arranged at other positions in the middle of the connection between the panel string 231 and the power storage unit 234.

[0055] The switching control unit 237 controls the switching unit 236 to switch to supply the current of the panel string 231 to the power regulator 232 or to the power storage unit 234. In Figure 5In the example shown, the switching control unit 237 acquires the measurement result of the power generation amount of the panel string 231, and switches the switching unit 236 so that when the measurement result is higher than a predetermined threshold, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power conditioner 232, and when the measurement result is lower than the threshold, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power storage unit 234. The threshold may also be a value that can determine whether the measurement result corresponds to a weak current. The switching control unit 237 may also acquire, for example, the measurement result of the ammeter disposed between the panel string 231 and the switching unit 236.

[0056] By performing such switching by the switching control unit 237, when the generated power of the panel string 231 is weak power, all of the weak power can be stored in the power storage unit 234, and the weak power can be effectively utilized. In addition, when sufficient power is generated by the panel string 231, the current can flow through the power conditioner 232 without flowing through the power storage unit 234, and the life of the power storage unit 234 can be extended compared to the case where no switching is performed.

[0057] Figure 6 An example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234 is schematically shown. Here, the description will be mainly focused on the differences from Figure 5 In Figure 6 the example shown, the power generation system 20 further includes an information acquisition unit 238.

[0058] The information acquisition unit 238 acquires flight-related information associated with the flight of the HAPS 200. The flight-related information may also include the time period during which the HAPS 200 flies.

[0059] The information acquisition unit 238 may also acquire flight-related information from the flight control device 262. The flight-related information includes, for example, the flight position of the HAPS 200. When the HAPS 200 flies on a specific path, the flight-related information includes, for example, the flight path of the HAPS 200. The flight-related information includes, for example, the attitude of the HAPS 200. The flight-related information includes, for example, the moving direction of the HAPS 200. The flight-related information includes, for example, the moving speed of the HAPS 200. The flight-related information includes, for example, the wind speed around the HAPS 200. The flight-related information includes, for example, the solar altitude. The flight-related information includes, for example, the noon altitude of the sun. The flight-related information includes, for example, the intensity distribution of light at the flight altitude or flight location. The flight-related information includes, for example, the reflectivity at the flight altitude or flight location. The flight-related information includes, for example, the degree of light scattering at the flight altitude or flight location. The flight-related information includes, for example, the output current amount from the panel string 231. The flight-related information includes, for example, the output voltage from the panel string 231. Thus, the flight-related information may also include the state of energy.

[0060] The information acquisition unit 238 may also acquire flight-related information from the communication control device 264. The flight-related information may also include information about the flight area received by the flight control device 262 from other HAPSs 200. For example, the flight control device 262 receives wind information including the wind direction and wind speed of the flight area from other HAPSs 200 that fly ahead of the HAPS 200 (sometimes referred to as the own aircraft) equipped with the flight control device 262 on the same flight path, and provides it to the information acquisition unit 238.

[0061] The switching control unit 237 switches the switching unit 236 based on the flight-related information acquired by the information acquisition unit 238, so that when it is presumed that the power generation amount of the panel string 231 is large, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power conditioner 232, and when it is presumed that the power generation amount of the panel string 231 is small, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power storage unit 234.

[0062] For example, when the time period during which the HAPS 200 flies is a time period predetermined as a sunrise time period, the switching control unit 237 switches to supply the current from the panel string 231 to the power storage unit 234. For example, when the time period during which the HAPS 200 flies is a time period predetermined as a sunset time period, the switching control unit 237 switches to supply the current from the panel string 231 to the power storage unit 234. By doing so, during the sunrise time period and the sunset time period, when the sunlight amount reaching the panel string 231 is small and the power generation amount of the panel string is weak power, by supplying the weak power to the power conditioner 232, the weak power can be prevented from being discarded, and by supplying the weak power to the power storage unit 234, the weak power can be stored.

[0063] The switching control unit 237 estimates the power generation amount of the panel string 231 based on, for example, the flight path of the HAPS 200 and the power generation amount of the panel string 231 when the HAPS 200 flew on this flight path in the past. When the estimated power generation amount is less than a predetermined threshold, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power storage unit 234, and when the estimated power generation amount is more than the threshold, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power conditioner 232.

[0064] The switching control unit 237 estimates the inclination of the aircraft based on, for example, wind information obtained from other HAPS 200s that fly ahead of the aircraft equipped with the switching control unit 237 on the same flight path. Based on the estimated inclination of the aircraft, the power generation amount of the panel string 231 is estimated. When the estimated power generation amount is less than a pre-determined threshold value, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power storage unit 234. When the estimated power generation amount is more than the threshold value, the current from the panel string 231 is supplied to the power conditioner 232.

[0065] The HAPS 200 may also be such that the wing unit 220 is transparent and the photoelectric power generation unit 230 has a double-sided photoelectric power generation panel that can generate electricity on both the front and back sides. In addition, the HAPS 200 may include a front-side photoelectric power generation unit disposed on the front side of the wing unit 220 and a back-side photoelectric power generation unit disposed on the back side of the wing unit 220. In this case, the switching control unit 237 may also switch, for the front-side photoelectric power generation unit and the back-side photoelectric power generation unit respectively, based on flight-related information, whether to supply the generated current to the power conditioner 232 or to the power storage unit 234. For example, when the sun is on the upper surface side of the HAPS 200, the power generation amount of the front-side photoelectric power generation unit increases and the power generation amount of the back-side photoelectric power generation unit decreases. In addition, for example, when the sun is on the lower surface side of the HAPS 200, the power generation amount of the front-side photoelectric power generation unit decreases and the power generation amount of the back-side photoelectric power generation unit increases. In this way, the power generation tendencies of the front-side photoelectric power generation unit and the back-side photoelectric power generation unit are different according to the condition of the HAPS 200. Therefore, by switching based on flight-related information in a form that suits each of them for the front-side photoelectric power generation unit and the back-side photoelectric power generation unit respectively, the recovery rate of weak power can be improved compared to the case where the front-side photoelectric power generation unit and the back-side photoelectric power generation unit are not distinguished.

[0066] Figure 7 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234. In Figure 7 the example shown, the power storage unit 234 is connected to the connection between the panel string 231 and the power conditioner 232, and the power stored in the power storage unit 234 is supplied to a system other than the power conditioner 232. In Figure 7 the example shown, the power stored in the power storage unit 234 is supplied to the low-power power conditioner 235. For example, the power converted from the generated power of the panel string 231 by the power conditioner 232 is supplied to the motors 242 and 252 provided in the HAPS 200, and the power supplied to the low-power power conditioner 235 is supplied to a communication-related device, and this communication-related device can operate based on power smaller than that of the motors 242 and 252. Examples of the communication-related device may include a communication control device 264 and a positioning sensor, etc.

[0067] Figure 8Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234. Here, the main description is based on the points different from Figure 7 and will be mainly described. In Figure 8 the example shown, the power generation system 20 includes a switching unit 236 and a switching control unit 237. The switching unit 236 and the switching control unit 237 may be the same as those of Figure 5 .

[0068] Figure 9 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234. Here, the main description is based on the points different from Figure 8 and will be mainly described. In Figure 9 the example shown, the power generation system 20 further includes an information acquisition unit 238. The information acquisition unit 238 may be the same as that of Figure 6 .

[0069] Figure 10 Schematically shows an example of the configuration of the power storage unit 234. Here, the main description is based on the points different from Figure 7 and will be mainly described. The power storage unit 234 may also be connected to the connections of a plurality of panel strings 231 and a plurality of power conditioners 232 respectively, and the power stored in the power storage unit 234 may also be supplied to a system other than the power conditioner 232. In Figure 10 , an example is shown in which one power storage unit 234 is configured for a combination of two panel strings 231 and power conditioners 232, but it is not limited thereto, and one power storage unit 234 may also be configured for a combination of three or more panel strings 231 and power conditioners 232. In this way, by configuring one power storage unit 234 for a combination of a plurality of panel strings 231 and power conditioners 232, compared with the case where power storage units 234 are respectively configured for a combination of a plurality of panel strings 231 and power conditioners 232, the overall weight and cost can be reduced.

[0070] Figure 11 Schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 that functions as a control device including a switching control unit 237 and an information acquisition unit 238. The program installed in the computer 1200 can cause the computer 1200 to function as one or more "units" of the device according to the above-described embodiment, or can cause the computer 1200 to execute operations associated with the device according to the above-described embodiment or the one or more "units", and / or can cause the computer 1200 to execute the process according to the above-described embodiment or a stage of the process. In order to cause the computer 1200 to execute specific operations associated with several or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described in this specification, such a program may also be executed by the CPU 1212.

[0071] The computer 1200 of the present embodiment includes a CPU 1212, a RAM 1214, and a graphics controller 1216, which are interconnected via a main controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224, and input / output units such as a DVD drive and an IC card drive, which are connected to the main controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The storage device 1224 may also be a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or the like. The computer 1200 also includes a ROM 1230 and conventional input / output units such as a keyboard, which are connected to the input / output controller 1220 via an input / output chip 1240.

[0072] The CPU 1212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 1230 and the RAM 1214, and thereby controls each unit. The graphics controller 1216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 1212 in a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 1214 or in itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on a display device 1218.

[0073] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0074] The ROM 1230 stores therein a boot program and the like executed by the computer 1200 at activation and / or programs dependent on the hardware of the computer 1200. The input / output chip 1240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 1220 via a USB port, a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, or the like.

[0075] The programs are provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable storage medium and installed in the storage device 1224, the RAM 1214, or the ROM 1230, which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and are executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 1200, bringing about cooperation between the programs and the above various types of hardware resources. The apparatus or method may also be configured to implement operations or processing of information according to the use of the computer 1200.

[0076] For example, when performing communication between the computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 may also execute the communication program loaded in the RAM 1214, and command the communication interface 1222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 1212, the communication interface 1222 reads the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as the RAM 1214, the storage device 1224, the DVD-ROM, or the IC card, transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes the received data received from the network into the reception buffer area provided on the recording medium, etc.

[0077] In addition, the CPU 1212 may also cause all or a required part of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as the storage device 1224, the DVD drive (DVD-ROM), the IC card, etc. to be read by the RAM 1214, and perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 1214. Then, the CPU 1212 may write the processed data back to the external recording medium.

[0078] Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may also be stored in the recording medium and undergo information processing. The CPU 1212 may also perform various types of processing described in any part of the present disclosure on the data read from the RAM 1214, and write the result back to the RAM 1214. The various types of processing include various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branch, unconditional branch, information retrieval / replacement, etc. specified by the command sequence of the program. In addition, the CPU 1212 may also retrieve information in files, databases, etc. in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 1212 may also retrieve, from the plurality of entries, an entry that matches the condition specifying the attribute value of the first attribute, and read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, thereby obtaining the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0079] The programs or software modules described above may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 1200. In addition, a recording medium such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as the computer-readable storage medium, whereby the program is provided to the computer 1200 via the network.

[0080] The blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams in this embodiment can also represent stages of a process of performing operations or "parts" of a device having the function of performing operations. Specific stages and "parts" can also be provided by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits supplied together with computer-readable commands stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or processors supplied together with computer-readable commands stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The dedicated circuits can also include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and can also include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuits can also include reconfigurable hardware circuits, which include, for example, logical products, logical sums, exclusive logical sums, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations, flip-flops, registers, and memory elements such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and programmable logic arrays (PLAs).

[0081] The computer-readable storage medium can also include any tangible device that can store commands executed by an appropriate device. As a result, a computer-readable storage medium having commands stored therein constitutes a product that includes commands that can be executed to manufacture a unit for performing the operations specified by the flowchart or block diagram. Examples of the computer-readable storage medium can also include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium can also include floppy disks (registered trademark), magnetic disks, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray (registered trademark) discs, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0082] The computer-readable commands can also include either source code or object code described in any combination of one or more programming languages, which one or more programming languages include assembly commands, instruction set architecture (ISA) commands, machine commands, machine-dependent commands, microcode, firmware commands, status setting data, or object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, etc., and existing procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or the like.

[0083] To cause a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, or a programmable circuit, to generate units for performing the operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram, the computer-readable commands are executed, and the computer-readable commands can also be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, or a programmable circuit, via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local or local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc. Examples of the processor include a computer processor, a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.

[0084] As described above, the embodiments have been used to illustrate the present invention. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiments, which are obvious to those skilled in the art. It is clearly understood from the description of the claims that the embodiments with such changes or improvements added can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0085] It should be noted that regarding the execution order of each process of actions, sequences, steps, and stages, etc. in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings, as long as it is not specifically stated as "earlier than...", "before", etc., and furthermore, the output of the previous process is not used in the subsequent process, it can be implemented in any order. Regarding the action flowcharts in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if "first", "next", etc. are used for convenience of description, it does not mean that it must be implemented in this order.

[0086] By using the present invention, a solar cell as described below can be realized: the power generation efficiency per unit weight of the solar cell can be improved, and more power can be generated more lightly. The solar cell can be considered for flexible applications such as being taken to a disaster site to supply energy to the victims. Therefore, it can contribute to achieving the goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Goal 7, "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all", or Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts".

[0087] Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 20: Power generation system, 30: Network, 40: Gateway, 50: Communication satellite, 60: Satellite communication station, 70: User terminal, 200: HAPS, 202: Beam, 204: Communication area, 220: Wing section, 230: Photovoltaic power generation section, 231: Panel string, 232: Power conditioner, 234: Energy storage section, 235: Power conditioner for weak power, 236: Switching section, 237: Switching control section, 238: Information acquisition section, 240: Propeller, 242: Motor, 244: PDU, 250: Elevator, 252: Motor, 254: SDU, 260: Central section, 262: Flight control device, 264: Communication control device, 270: Pod, 280: Battery, 290: Bus, 400: Management device, 1200: Computer, 1210: Main controller, 1212: CPU, 1214: RAM, 1216: Graphics controller, 1218: Display device, 1220: Input / output controller, 1222: Communication interface, 1224: Storage device, 1230: ROM, 1240: Input / output chip.

Claims

1. A power generation system, comprising: A photovoltaic power generation unit disposed on an aircraft that provides wireless communication services to user terminals within a communication area formed on the ground; A power storage unit connected to the photovoltaic power generation unit and storing the generated electric power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit; and A power conditioner that converts the generated electric power generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit.

2. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein The connection between the power storage unit and the photovoltaic power generation unit and the power conditioner is connected in parallel, and the electric power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the power conditioner.

3. The power generation system according to claim 2, wherein The power generation system further includes a switching control unit that switches to supply the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit.

4. The power generation system according to claim 3, wherein The switching control unit performs switching so that when the measurement result of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit is higher than a predetermined threshold value, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power conditioner, and when the measurement result of the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit is lower than the threshold value, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit.

5. The power generation system according to claim 3, wherein The power generation system further includes an information acquisition unit that acquires flight-related information associated with the flight of the aircraft, The switching control unit switches to supply the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit based on the flight-related information.

6. The power generation system according to claim 5, wherein The switching control unit performs switching based on the flight-related information so that when it is presumed to be a state where the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit is large, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power conditioner, and when it is presumed to be a state where the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation unit is small, the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit.

7. The power generation system according to claim 5, wherein When the time period during which the aircraft is flying is a time period predetermined as a sunset time period, the switching control unit performs switching to supply the current from the photovoltaic power generation unit to the power storage unit.

8. The power generation system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The aircraft has a front-side photovoltaic power generation unit disposed on the front side of the wing portion of the aircraft and a back-side photovoltaic power generation unit disposed on the back side of the wing portion, The switching control unit switches to supply the generated current to the power conditioner or to the power storage unit for each of the front-side photovoltaic power generation unit and the back-side photovoltaic power generation unit based on the flight-related information.

9. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein The power storage unit is connected in series with the photovoltaic power generation unit and the power conditioner, and the electric power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the power conditioner.

10. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein The electricity storage unit is connected to the connection between the photovoltaic power generation unit and the power conditioner, and the electricity stored in the electricity storage unit is supplied to a system other than the power conditioner.

11. The power generation system according to claim 10, wherein the electricity storage unit is respectively connected to the connections of a plurality of the photovoltaic power generation units and a plurality of the power conditioners, and the electricity stored in the electricity storage unit is supplied to a system other than the power conditioner.

12. The power generation system according to claim 10, wherein the electricity converted from the generated electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation unit by the power conditioner is supplied to the motor provided in the aircraft, and the electricity stored in the electricity storage unit is supplied to a communication related device associated with the communication of the aircraft.

13. An aircraft comprising the power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the aircraft comprising: a flight control device that controls the flight of the aircraft using the electricity converted by the power conditioner.

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