Advanced drone port station for enhanced maintenance, monitoring and surveillance operations

Abstract

A drone system includes a headquarter station and one or more drone port stations (200). Each drone port station (200) comprises: a platform (202) configured to receive a drone; a radar system (208), the radar system (208) configured to detect and identify the drone; and one or more lock clips (204) disposed on the platform (202), where the one or more lock clips (204) are configured to lock on one or more legs extending from the drone. Each drone port station (200) further comprises: an internal computer (210) configured to control operation of the drone port station (200); an internal camera (216) operably connected to the internal computer (210), where the internal camera (216) is configured to detect a charging port or a fuel tank of the drone; a glass panel placed on the platform (202), where the glass panel is configured to protect the internal camera (216); and an antenna (106) extending from the platform (202) and configured to provide a communication path from the drone port station (200) to the headquarter station.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Drones are commonly used to automate tasks related to relocation, delivery, maintenance, monitoring, and surveillance. Drones can be pre-programmed or autonomously controlled from a centralized headquarters (HQ) station. In many cases, drones are powered by onboard batteries. These drones are typically suitable for relatively compact environments, such as cities and other densely populated urban areas. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This Summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a drone system that may include a headquarters station and one or more drone ports. Each drone port may include: a platform configured to receive a drone; a radar system configured to detect and identify the drone; and one or more locking clips disposed on the platform, wherein the one or more locking clips are configured to lock onto one or more legs extending from the drone. Each drone port may also include: an internal computer configured to control the operation of the drone port; an internal camera operably connected to the internal computer, wherein the internal camera is configured to detect a charging port or fuel tank of the drone; a glass panel placed on the platform, wherein the glass panel is configured to protect the internal camera; and an antenna extending from the platform and configured to provide a communication path from the drone port to the headquarters station.

[0004] On the other hand, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a drone port. The drone port may include: a platform configured to receive a drone; a radar system configured to detect and identify the drone; and one or more locking clips disposed on the platform, wherein the one or more locking clips are configured to lock onto one or more legs extending from the drone. The drone port may also include: an internal computer configured to control the operation of the drone port; an internal camera operably connected to the internal computer, wherein the internal camera is configured to detect the drone's charging port or fuel tank; and a supply conduit configured to connect to the drone's supply port. The drone port may also include: a glass panel placed on the platform, wherein the glass panel is configured to protect the internal camera; and an antenna extending from the platform.

[0005] In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for charging a drone at a drone port. The method may include: detecting the drone using a radar system disposed on the drone port; guiding the drone to a platform of the drone port using the radar system; and locking the drone to the platform using one or more locking clips. The method may also include: detecting a refueling port of the drone using an internal camera disposed on the drone port; and connecting a refueling conduit to the refueling port of the drone, wherein the refueling port is a charging port or a fuel tank, and wherein the refueling conduit is a removable charger or a fuel line.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the various drawings are represented by similar reference numerals. The sizes and relative positions of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the readability of the drawings. In addition, the specific shapes of the elements drawn are not necessarily intended to convey any information about the actual shapes of these specific elements, but are simply selected to facilitate identification in the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 An unmanned aerial vehicle system is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2BA drone port is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 A self-cleaning solar panel is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 A drone port is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5 A drone port is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method according to one or more embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0015] Throughout this application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in this application). Unless explicitly disclosed, such as with the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms, the use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of elements, nor does it limit any element to only a single element. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is intended to distinguish between elements. As an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, a first element may contain more than one element, and may be ranked after (or before) a second element in the ordering of elements.

[0016] In the following Figures 1 to 6 In the description of the various embodiments disclosed in this specification, any component described with respect to a figure may be equivalent to one or more similarly named components described with respect to any other figure. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components may not be repeated for each figure. Therefore, each embodiment of the components of each figure is incorporated by reference into each other figure having one or more similarly named components, and it is assumed that each embodiment of the components of each figure is optionally present in each other figure having one or more similarly named components. In addition, according to the various embodiments disclosed in this specification, any description of a component in one figure should be interpreted as an optional embodiment that may be implemented in addition to, in conjunction with, or in place of the embodiment described with respect to the corresponding similarly named component in any other figure.

[0017] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a drone port located at a remote location and configured to receive and charge a drone. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a drone system in which drones can travel between a headquarters station and a drone port. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for charging a drone at a drone port.

[0018] Figure 1 An unmanned aerial vehicle system 100 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. The unmanned aerial vehicle system 100 may include a headquarters (HQ) station 102 located in a central, easily accessible location. For example, the HQ station 102 may be located at an oil and gas processing plant or drilling site. Alternatively, the HQ station 102 may be located in a company building. The HQ station 102 may be configured to dispatch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and monitor the UAVs during their flight operations. In one or more embodiments, the HQ station 102 may be configured to fully remotely control the UAVs in situations where manual control is required. The HQ station 102 may also be configured to process images and real-time video transmitted by the UAVs.

[0019] The drone system 100 may also include one or more drone ports 104. Each drone port 104 may be located a distance 105 from the HQ station 102. In addition, each drone port 104 may include an antenna 106. A communication path 108 may extend from the HQ station 102 to the antenna 106 disposed on each drone port 104.

[0020] The type of drone port 104 can vary depending on the desired location. A remote area station (RAS) drone port can be installed in an extremely remote location. An electric line connection station (ETLLS) drone port can be built on or near a transmission line tower. A fuel station (FS) drone port can be built near a gas station.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a drone can depart the HQ station 102 and begin its daily mission. For example, a drone's daily mission might be to monitor a section of a pipeline. When a drone's battery depletes below a certain percentage of its full capacity, the drone can search for the nearest drone docking station 104 and communicate with the drone docking station 104 via the antenna 106. The depletion percentage can be selected based on the system implementation, the type of drone being used, the capacity of the drone docking station 104, and the distance between adjacent drone docking stations 104. For example, in one or more embodiments, when a drone's battery depletes below 30% of its full capacity, the drone can search for the nearest drone docking station 104. In one or more embodiments, the drone docking station 104 can transmit information about surrounding conditions (e.g., weather conditions) to the drone, allowing the drone to determine whether it is safe to fly to the drone docking station 104. If it is safe, the drone will fly to the drone docking station 104. In one or more embodiments, the HQ station 102 can be configured to fully remotely control the drone docking station 104 and the drone, in cases where manual control is required.

[0022] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A drone port is shown according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A RAS drone dock 200 is shown, according to one or more embodiments. The RAS drone dock 200 may include a platform 202 configured to receive a drone. One or more locking clips 204 may be disposed on the platform 202. The one or more locking clips 204 may be configured to lock onto one or more legs that may extend from the drone after the drone has landed on the platform 202. The locking clips 204 may prevent the drone from sliding off the platform 202. The locking clips 204 may be unlocked after the charging process is complete, thereby releasing the drone from the platform 202.

[0023] A radar system 208 may be extended from the platform 202. The radar system 208 may detect and identify drones. Once the radar system 208 has detected a drone, relevant information about the drone may be transmitted to an internal computer 210 disposed on the RAS drone port 200. The internal computer 210 may communicate with the HQ station 102 via an antenna 106 extending from the platform 202. The internal computer 210 may also control the operation of the RAS drone port 200.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, one or more small turbines 212 can be mounted on the platform 202. When the drone is in the process of landing on the platform 202, the one or more small turbines 212 can capture and utilize the air pushed by the landing drone to generate energy, which can be stored in the battery 214.

[0025] The internal camera 216 can be operably connected to the internal computer 210. A glass panel can be placed on the platform 202 to protect the internal camera 216. In one or more embodiments, the internal camera 216 can detect the charging port of the drone. Once the charging port is detected, such as Figure 2B A supply conduit such as the removable charger 218 shown in FIG can connect itself to the charging port. Once the drone is fully charged, the removable charger 218 can disconnect itself and the locking clip 204 can be unlocked, allowing the drone to detach from the platform 202.

[0026] Back to Figure 2A The RAS drone port 200 may also include a number of auxiliary systems. For example, in some embodiments, the RAS drone port 200 may include a safety light system 220. In other embodiments, the RAS drone port 200 may include a bird repellent system 222.

[0027] The RAS drone port 200 can be powered by multiple renewable energy sources. Small turbines 212 and one or more main turbines 224 can generate kinetic energy from wind generated by drones landing and taking off from platform 202. One or more solar panels 226 can be mounted on the RAS drone port 200 and can generate solar energy. In one or more embodiments, the solar panels 226 can be fixed, floating, or solar tracker panels. Additionally, in other embodiments, the solar panels 226 can be self-cleaning solar panels. The RAS drone port 200 can also be connected to a geothermal power plant 228, so that geothermal energy generated in the geothermal power plant 228 can be transmitted to the RAS drone port 200.

[0028] Because the RAS drone port 200 may be located in a remote area, such as a desert, an emergency button 230 may be installed on the RAS drone port 200. The emergency button 230 may be pressed by a person or operator who is lost. Pressing the emergency button 230 may create an emergency report, which may be transmitted to the HQ station 102 to alert personnel. The HQ station 102 personnel may then verify the validity of the emergency report using an external camera 232 installed on the RAS drone port 200. In one or more embodiments, verifying the validity of the emergency report may include using the external camera 232 to photograph and identify the lost person.

[0029] Now turn Figure 3 , Figure 3A self-cleaning solar panel 300 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. According to one or more embodiments, the solar panel 226 may be the self-cleaning solar panel 300. The self-cleaning solar panel 300 may include a surface 302, wherein the surface 302 has a first edge 304 and a second edge 306, wherein a top edge 308 and a bottom edge 310 extend between the first edge 304 and the second edge 306. A center 312 may be located equidistantly between the first edge 304 and the second edge 306.

[0030] The self-cleaning solar panel 300 may include a mist generator 314 mounted along the top edge 308. The mist generator 314 may collect fluid from the air (i.e., during wet periods) into a miniature tank that may be mounted on the back side of the surface 302. The mist generator 314 may be configured to distribute a mist of fluid droplets so that the mist of fluid droplets flows from the top edge 308 to the bottom edge 310. In one or more embodiments, the mist generator 314 may be configured to clean dust from the surface 302.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, steam generator 316 can be mounted along first edge 304 of surface 302. In other embodiments, steam generator 316 can be mounted along second edge 306, top edge 308, or bottom edge 310. Steam generator 316 can be configured to remove sticky substances from surface 302.

[0032] Two micro-wiper blades 318 are mounted at the center 312 of the surface 302 so that each micro-wiper blade 318 can clean half of the surface 302. Specifically, each micro-wiper blade 318 can move from the center 312 of the surface 302 to the first edge 304 and the second edge 306 in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The first direction and the second direction can be opposite to each other. The use of two micro-wiper blades 318 can allow the surface 302 of the self-cleaning solar panel 300 to be cleaned, thereby improving its efficiency.

[0033] Blower 320 can be installed along first edge 304, second edge 306, top edge 308 or bottom edge 310. Blower 320 can be configured to blow dust away from surface 302. Miniature tank 322 can be installed along the back side of surface 302 and can contain a certain volume of washing chemicals. Washing chemicals can be dispensed onto surface 302 from miniature tank 322 so that a combination of washing chemicals, fluid droplets dispensed by mist generator 314 and micro wiper blade 318 can clean surface 302. In one or more embodiments, the washing chemicals can be soap or other detergents. Drainage system 324 can be arranged along bottom edge 310 to collect and remove any excess fluid from surface 302.

[0034] One or more sensors 326 may be mounted on surface 302. Sensors 326 may be configured to provide alerts indicating a need for cleaning and to provide a percentage of solar panel efficiency. An operator may apply a cutoff to trigger the timing and method of cleaning. In one or more embodiments, self-cleaning solar panel 300 may be triggered via controller 328. Controller 328 may be, for example, a built-in automated system, a remote control unit, or a manual trigger.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, RAS drone port 200 may be located in an area with abundant sunlight but extremely low temperatures. In these embodiments, self-cleaning solar panels 300 may be equipped with a nano-heating system to melt ice that may form on surface 302. In some embodiments, solar amplification or other means may also be used to melt ice that accumulates on surface 302. The melting of the ice may improve the response and efficiency of the solar panels.

[0036] Now go to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A drone port is shown according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 4 An electric transmission line connection station (ETLLS) drone port 400 is shown according to one or more embodiments. The ETLLS drone port 400 can be built on or near one or more transmission line towers 402. The ETLLS drone port 400 can be powered by the electric field around an energized conductor or the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor.

[0037] Similar to RAS drone dock 200, ETLLS drone dock 400 may have a platform 202, with antenna 106 and radar system 208 extending from platform 202. Using radar system 208, ETLLS drone dock 400 can detect drones and guide them to platform 202. A locking clamp 204 can secure the drone to platform 202, and a removable charger 218 can be used to connect to the drone's charging port and perform charging operations. An internal camera 216 can be used to help detect the drone's charging port. Once the drone is fully charged, the locking clamp 204 can be unlocked, and the drone can be taken off the platform.

[0038] Figure 5 A drone port is shown according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 5 A fuel station (FS) drone port 500 is shown. The FS drone port 500 can be built near a refueling station 502. The structure and components of the FS drone port 500 can be similar to the RAS drone port 200 and the ETLLS drone port 400. In one or more embodiments, the refueling conduit mounted on the FS drone port 500 can be a removable fuel pipe 504 that can be configured to connect to a fuel tank of a drone.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the drone system 100 can be configured to respond to one or more emergency situations. One possible emergency situation could be a renewable energy failure at the RAS drone port 200. In these embodiments, a dedicated drone can be deployed from the HQ station 102. The dedicated drone can be configured to transport emergency batteries. Once dispatched from the HQ station 102, the dedicated drone can locate and fly to the nearest ETLLS drone port 400 or FS drone port 500. Upon arrival at the nearest ETLLS drone port 400 or FS drone port 500, the dedicated drone can collect the emergency battery, which has been fully charged at that station. The dedicated drone can then fly to the RAS drone port 200 experiencing the energy failure. The dedicated drone can be configured to land at the RAS drone port 200 and recharge the emergency battery before returning to the HQ station 102.

[0040] Another emergency situation may occur when unstable weather conditions prevent a drone from landing at a desired drone docking station 104. In this situation, the drone may attempt to locate another nearby drone docking station 104. If the drone is unable to locate another nearby drone docking station 104, the drone may notify the HQ station 102 and may locate the nearest safe area. In one or more embodiments, the safe area may be a sheltered area where the drone can wait out the adverse weather conditions. If the drone lands in a safe area, all non-essential systems may be shut down to conserve energy.

[0041] While taking shelter in a safe area, the drone may sense danger. In this case, the drone can take off and locate another safe area. Otherwise, the drone can wait in the original safe area until weather conditions improve and it is safe to fly. The drone can then take off and continue to its originally selected drone port 104.

[0042] Figure 6 Depicted is a flow chart according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for charging a drone at a drone port according to one or more embodiments is depicted. Figure 6 One or more boxes in Figures 1 to 5 Although Figure 6 The various blocks in the embodiment are presented and described in order, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that some or all of these blocks may be executed in a different order, may be combined or omitted, and may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, these blocks may be executed actively or passively.

[0043] First, the drone port 104 may detect a drone using the radar system 208 (S602). In one or more embodiments, the radar system 208 may extend from the platform 202 of the drone port 104. The drone port 104 may be a RAS drone port 200, an ETLLS drone port 400, or a FS drone port 500.

[0044] Using the radar system 208, the ETLLS drone port 104 can guide the drone onto the platform 202 (S604). The drone can then be locked onto the platform 202 using one or more locking clips 204 (S606). An internal camera 216 disposed on the drone port 104 can be used to detect the drone's refueling port (S608). In one or more embodiments, the refueling port can be a charging port or a fuel tank. In addition, a refueling conduit can be autonomously connected to the refueling port (S610). The refueling conduit can be, for example, a removable charger 218 or a removable fuel pipe 504.

[0045] The drone dock 104 can detect when the drone has finished charging and can then disconnect the supply conduit. The locking clamp 204 can be unlocked and the drone can take off from the platform 202.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, when the drone port 104 is a RAS drone port 200, the supply conduit can be powered by one or more self-cleaning solar panels 300. Additionally, the one or more self-cleaning solar panels 300 can be subjected to an autonomous cleaning operation to remove accumulated debris.

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide at least one of the following advantages. The drone harbors described herein are self-operated stations that can be located in densely populated areas or remote locations and are designed to recharge or refuel drones midway along their intended flight paths. Thus, using a drone harbor allows drones to fly farther than before without having to return to a headquarters station.

[0048] The use of RAS drone ports makes these stations sustainable in remote locations because they rely entirely on renewable energy. This maximizes the efficiency and reliability of maintenance, transportation, monitoring, and surveillance operations. Furthermore, all types of drone ports form a self-stabilizing system, capable of supporting themselves in emergency situations.

[0049] Each of these types of drone ports is capable of identifying, communicating with, and guiding drones without human intervention. Each drone port can also communicate with the HQ station to provide regular status reports or report any unusual events. Additional drone ports can be equipped with various auxiliary systems to further expand their functionality. For example, internal cameras can be used to detect a drone's charging port or fuel tank, allowing for autonomous connection of a refueling conduit to the drone.

[0050] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, a means-plus-function clause is intended to cover structures described in the present disclosure as performing the recited function, which covers not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents because a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together and a screw employs a helical surface, in the context of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A drone port (104, 200, 400, 500), comprising: a platform (202), the platform (202) being configured to receive the drone; a radar system (208) configured to detect and identify the drone; one or more locking clips (204) disposed on the platform (202), wherein the one or more locking clips (204) are configured to lock onto one or more legs extending from the drone; an internal computer (210) configured to control the operation of the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500); an internal camera (216) operatively connected to the internal computer (210), wherein the internal camera (216) is configured to detect a charging port or a fuel tank of the drone; a supply conduit (218) configured to connect to a supply port of the drone; a glass panel positioned on the platform (202), wherein the glass panel is configured to protect the interior camera (216); and An antenna (106) extends from the platform (202).

2. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein: The drone port station is a remote area station (RAS) (200) powered by renewable energy.

3. The drone port (200) of claim 2, further comprising one or more solar panels (226, 300) configured to charge the internal battery, wherein Each of the one or more solar panels (226, 300) comprises: a mist generator (314) configured to remove dust from a surface (302) of the solar panel by dispensing mist from a top edge (308) of the solar panel; a steam generator (316) mounted along a first edge (304) of the solar panel, wherein the steam generator (316) is configured to remove one or more sticky substances from the surface (302); two micro-wiper blades (318), the two micro-wiper blades (318) being mounted at the center (312) of the surface, wherein a first micro-wiper blade (318) moves in a first direction, wherein a second micro-wiper blade (318) moves in a second direction, and wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other; an air blower (320) mounted along a second edge (306) of the solar panel, wherein the air blower (320) is configured to blow dust away from the surface (302); One or more sensors (326) configured to provide an alert of a need for cleaning and to provide a solar panel efficiency percentage; and A mini tank (322) is mounted along the back side of the surface, wherein the mini tank (322) is filled with a volume of a cleaning chemical.

4. The drone port (200) according to claim 3, wherein: Each solar panel is triggered by a controller (328) selected from the group consisting of a built-in automatic controller, a remote control unit, and a manual trigger.

5. The drone port (200) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Each solar panel also includes a nano-heating system configured to melt ice formed on the surface (302) in a cold environment.

6. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein: The drone port station is an electric line connection station (ETLLS) (400) powered by an electric field or a magnetic field.

7. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein: The drone port is a fuel station (FS) (500) powered by a gas station (502).

8. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The drone port station (104, 200, 400, 500) is configured to communicate with a headquarters station via an antenna (106).

9. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a bird repellent system (222) integrated into the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500).

10. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a safety light system (220) integrated into the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500).

11. The drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: an emergency button (230) configured to create an emergency report and alert a headquarters station when pressed by an operator; as well as An external camera (232) is configured to photograph an operator in order to verify the validity of the emergency report.

12. An unmanned aerial vehicle system comprising: headquarters station; as well as One or more drone ports (104, 200, 400, 500), each drone port (104, 200, 400, 500) comprising: a platform (202), the platform (202) being configured to receive the drone; a radar system (208) configured to detect and identify the drone; one or more locking clips (204) disposed on the platform (202), wherein the one or more locking clips (204) are configured to lock onto one or more legs extending from the drone; an internal computer (210) configured to control the operation of the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500); an internal camera (216) operatively connected to the internal computer (210), wherein the internal camera (216) is configured to detect a charging port or a fuel tank of the drone; a glass panel positioned on the platform (202), wherein the glass panel is configured to protect the interior camera (216); and An antenna (106) extends from a platform (202) and is configured to provide a communication path from the drone port station (104, 200, 400, 500) to the headquarters station.

13. The drone system according to claim 12, wherein: One of the one or more drone ports (104, 200, 400, 500) is a remote area station (RAS) (200) powered by renewable energy and further comprising: one or more solar panels (226, 300) configured to charge the internal battery; and One or more wiper blades (318) configured to periodically clean the one or more solar panels (226, 300).

14. The drone system according to claim 12, wherein: One of the one or more drone ports (104, 200, 400, 500) is an electric or magnetic field powered transmission line linked station (ETLLS) (400).

15. The drone system according to claim 12, wherein: One of the one or more drone ports (104, 200, 400, 500) is a fuel station (FS) (500) powered by a gas station (502).

16. The drone system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: Each of the one or more drone ports (104, 200, 400, 500) further comprises: an emergency button (230) configured to create an emergency report and alert a headquarters station when pressed by an operator; and An external camera (232) is configured to photograph an operator in order to verify the validity of the emergency report.

17. The drone system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: Each of the one or more drone ports (104, 200, 400, 500) further includes a bird repellent system (222) and a safety light system (220) integrated into the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500).

18. A method for charging a drone at a drone port (104, 200, 400, 500), the method comprising: detecting the drone using a radar system (208) disposed on the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500); using the radar system (208) to guide the drone to a platform (202) of the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500); locking the drone to the platform (202) using one or more locking clips (204); detecting a supply port of the drone using an internal camera (216) disposed on the drone port (104, 200, 400, 500); as well as connecting a supply conduit (218) to the supply port of the drone, wherein the refueling port is a charging port or a fuel tank, and Wherein, the supply conduit (218) is a movable charger or a fuel pipe.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: detecting that the drone has completed charging; disconnecting the supply conduit (218); unlocking the one or more locking clips (204); and The drone is released from the platform (202).

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: using one or more solar panels (226, 300) to power the supply conduit (218); and performing an autonomous cleaning operation on the one or more solar panels (226, 300) to remove accumulated debris, Wherein, the drone port station (104, 200, 400, 500) is a remote area station (RAS) drone port station (200).

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