Two-way power supply system for tethered unmanned aerial vehicle high-voltage lighting lamp

Abstract

This application provides a dual-power supply system for a high-voltage lighting system for tethered drones, belonging to the field of tethered drone technology. The system includes a ground unit, a tethered drone, a tether cable, and a high-voltage lighting system. The ground unit includes a switching power supply module and a main control module, with the main control module connected to the switching power supply module. The switching power supply module is connected to both the tethered drone and the high-voltage lighting system via the tether cable, with the high-voltage lighting system fixed to the tethered drone. The switching power supply module converts the input AC power into two output power links: one is a constant voltage output link, and the other is a constant current output link. The constant voltage output link provides the first high-voltage power to sustain flight for the tethered drone, while the constant current output link provides the second high-voltage power to the high-voltage lighting system. The main control module controls the output voltage and current of the constant voltage output link. This solution reduces power supply interference, energy consumption, and weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tethered drone technology, and in particular to a dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting of tethered drones. Background Technology

[0002] Most tethered drones currently use tethered power supplies to power the drone and lighting loads. Ground-based power sources boost the AC mains voltage, transmitting the high-voltage power to the drone via the tethered cable. The drone's DC-DC step-down power module then converts the high voltage to low voltage, outputting it to the drone and lighting boards. The lighting boards have constant current drive circuits to drive the LEDs and control the brightness. However, due to the internal resistance of the tethered cable, power attenuation often occurs. For example, with a line resistance of R and a load current Iled, the voltage drop VL during operation is: VL = Iled * R. Since the actual line resistance is a fixed value, large current fluctuations in a constant voltage method will cause significant voltage changes. This voltage difference reduces the input voltage by VL. The larger the current, the greater the voltage drop, indirectly leading to power reduction. Typically, additional algorithms are needed to increase the input voltage to compensate for the reduced power. Therefore, the input range of the DC-DC step-down power supply on tethered drones requires certain specifications.

[0003] In addition, the operation of the light driver on the light board will cause ripple interference to the drone's power supply, which can affect the operation of the drone's ESC and other auxiliary circuits. Furthermore, when the output power of the ground power supply fluctuates violently, since the sky power supply provides power to both the drone and the light board at the same time, the light board will pull down the voltage at the drone's end, resulting in undervoltage and insufficient power for the drone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to propose a dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting on tethered drones. The dual-power supply aims to reduce the interference of voltage ripple from the lighting on the drone's flight power supply. At the same time, it eliminates the need for a lamp driver, thus achieving airborne de-driving and reducing the overall weight of the tethered drone and energy loss in the circuit.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this application proposes a dual-power supply system for a high-voltage lighting system for a tethered drone. The system includes a ground terminal, a tethered drone, a tether cable, and a high-voltage lighting system. The ground terminal includes a switching power supply module and a main control module. The main control module is connected to the switching power supply module. The switching power supply module is connected to both the tethered drone and the high-voltage lighting system via the tether cable. The high-voltage lighting system is fixed to the tethered drone. The switching power supply module is used to convert the input AC power into two adjustable output power supply links, one of which is a constant voltage output link and the other is a constant current output link. The constant voltage output link is used to provide the tethered UAV with a first high voltage power to maintain flight, and the constant current output link is used to provide the high voltage power to the high voltage lighting lamp. The main control module is used to control the output voltage value of the constant voltage output link and the output current value of the constant current output link.

[0006] In some embodiments, the high-voltage lighting lamp includes a first lamp group and a second lamp group, the first lamp group and the second lamp group are connected in parallel, wherein the first lamp group includes a first lamp board and a second lamp board, the first lamp board and the second lamp board are connected in series, and the second lamp group includes a third lamp board and a fourth lamp board, the third lamp board and the fourth lamp board are connected in series.

[0007] In some embodiments, each light panel includes a plurality of LEDs, and all the LEDs on the same light panel are connected in series.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tethered drone includes a voltage regulator module connected to the constant voltage output link, and the voltage regulator module is used to step down and regulate the first high voltage to a first low voltage.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tethering cable is a four-core cable, comprising a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, wherein the first cable and the second cable form a first pair, and the third cable and the fourth cable form a second pair. One end of the first wire pair is connected to the constant voltage output link, and the other end of the first wire pair is connected to the regulated power supply module. One end of the second wire pair is connected to the constant current output link, and the other end of the second wire pair is connected to the high-voltage lighting lamp.

[0010] In some embodiments, the ground terminal and the tethered drone communicate via power line carrier communication through the tethered cable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tethered drone further includes an altitude detection module, which is used to detect the current flight altitude of the tethered drone; The main control module is used to adjust the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current flight altitude in order to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting.

[0012] In some embodiments, adjusting the output current value of the constant current output link based on the current flight altitude to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting includes: The altitude is compared with the current flight altitude and the preset first altitude threshold to obtain the first altitude comparison result; When the first altitude comparison result is that the current flight altitude is greater than or equal to the first altitude threshold, then an altitude comparison is performed based on the current flight altitude and a preset second altitude threshold to obtain a second altitude comparison result, wherein the second altitude threshold is greater than the first altitude threshold; If the second altitude comparison result indicates that the current flight altitude is greater than the second altitude threshold, the output current value is adjusted to a first current value to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to a first level; otherwise, the output current value is adjusted to a second current value to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to a second level.

[0013] In some embodiments, the high-voltage lighting lamp further includes a temperature detection module, which is used to detect the current lamp panel temperature of the high-voltage lighting lamp; The main control module is used to adjust the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current lamp board temperature in order to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp.

[0014] In some embodiments, adjusting the output current value of the constant current output link based on the current lamp panel temperature to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp includes: The temperature is compared with the current lamp panel temperature and the preset first temperature threshold to obtain the first temperature comparison result; When the first temperature comparison result indicates that the current lamp panel temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold, the output current value is reduced according to a preset adjustment cycle and adjustment range until the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp is the third level.

[0015] The embodiments of this application include at least the following beneficial effects: This application provides a dual-power supply system for a high-voltage lighting system for a tethered drone. The system includes a ground terminal, a tethered drone, a tether cable, and a high-voltage lighting system. The ground terminal includes a switching power supply module and a main control module. The main control module is connected to the switching power supply module. The switching power supply module is connected to both the tethered drone and the high-voltage lighting system via the tether cable. The high-voltage lighting system is fixed to the tethered drone. The switching power supply module converts the input AC power into two output power links: one is a constant voltage output link, and the other is a constant current output link. The constant voltage output link provides the first high-voltage power to sustain flight for the tethered drone, and the constant current output link provides the second high-voltage power to the high-voltage lighting system. The main control module controls the output voltage of the constant voltage output link and the output current of the constant current output link. This solution reduces the interference of voltage ripple from the lighting system on the drone's flight power supply through dual-power supply. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for a separate lamp driver, achieving airborne de-driving and reducing the overall weight of the tethered drone and energy loss in the circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tethered drone lighting system that uses the same power supply circuit simultaneously, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting of tethered drones provided in this application embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the high-voltage lighting power supply link provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lamp panel provided in the embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the communication and power supply link provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature detection link provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram of the ground terminal provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dual-power supply system for a high-voltage lighting system for a tethered drone, provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a switching power supply module interface provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit it. In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application; they are merely examples of systems and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0019] Before providing a detailed description of the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 In related technologies, most tethered drones use a tethered power supply that steps down the voltage of the drone to power low-voltage lights. This approach has the following drawbacks: First, the output power of the airborne DC-DC power supply needs to be greater than the power design of the lighting. When the power of the lighting increases, the power supply power needs to be increased accordingly, which puts high stress on the power supply and increases the cost.

[0021] Secondly, the lighting fixtures need to convert low-voltage constant voltage to low-voltage constant current to drive the LED beads. The driving circuit includes capacitors, inductors, and driver ICs, which also requires PCB space.

[0022] Third, due to the high power consumption of drones and their lighting equipment, the size and weight of the overhead DC-DC power supply and heat sink need to be increased.

[0023] Fourth, when the power of the lighting load is large, the voltage difference caused by the line resistance needs to be compensated by a certain algorithm to maintain the power output.

[0024] Fifth, the drone and the light panel use the same power supply circuit at the same time, causing mutual interference between the drone and the light panel.

[0025] Sixth, the lighting power supply scheme requires multiple stages of energy conversion, including ground power supply, overhead power supply, lamp driver, and lamp board, resulting in significant power loss.

[0026] In view of this, this application provides a dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting on tethered drones, relating to the field of tethered drone technology, such as... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting of tethered drones provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The system may include, but is not limited to, a ground terminal, a tethered drone, a tether cable, and a high-voltage lighting fixture. The ground terminal includes a switching power supply module and a main control module. The main control module is connected to the switching power supply module. The switching power supply module is connected to the tethered drone and the high-voltage lighting fixture via the tether cable. The high-voltage lighting fixture is fixed to the tethered drone.

[0027] The switching power supply module is used to convert the input AC power into two adjustable output power links, one of which is a constant voltage output link and the other is a constant current output link. The constant voltage output link is used to provide the first high voltage power to sustain the flight of the tethered drone, and the constant current output link is used to provide the second high voltage power to the high voltage lighting.

[0028] The main control module is used to control the output voltage value of the constant voltage output link and the output current value of the constant current output link.

[0029] In this embodiment, to address issues such as interference from lighting on the tethered drone, low system efficiency, and excessive load, the power supply architecture of the tethered drone is restructured. A switching power supply module separates the power supply circuits for the tethered drone and the high-voltage lighting, thus splitting the AC-DC high-voltage constant-voltage DC power supply in the tethered power supply system of related technologies into two paths. This switching power supply module is an AC-DC switching power supply module that converts a 220V AC input into two adjustable DC outputs. The constant-voltage outputs are transmitted to the tethered drone via tethering cables, while the constant-current outputs are directly connected to the high-voltage lighting for illumination.

[0030] Because of the dual power supply, voltage ripple from the high-voltage lighting will not affect the power supply for the drone's flight, and the impact of changes in line resistance loss can be reduced. Furthermore, direct power supply from the ground station to the high-voltage lighting reduces energy loss in the circuit and improves lighting efficiency.

[0031] Specifically, the two output power supply links are a constant voltage output link and a constant current output link, which are electrically isolated from each other. The voltage value of the first high-voltage electricity output by the constant voltage output link can be set and maintained stably within a certain range, independently powering the tethered drone to maintain flight. The current value of the second high-voltage electricity output by the constant current output link can be set and maintained stably within a certain range, independently powering a high-voltage lighting load. The brightness of the light can be controlled by adjusting the output current. The total power of the two output links is equal to the power before the separation.

[0032] It is understood that the first and second high voltages are direct currents with voltage values ​​in the hundreds of volts. Preferably, the first high voltage is 400V and the second high voltage is 380V.

[0033] Meanwhile, the low-voltage lamp drive circuit on the tethered drone is removed, and the high-voltage lamp, which integrates multiple lighting beads (such as LEDs), is directly connected to the constant current output link. The high-voltage lamp achieves high voltage resistance by connecting multiple lamp beads in series and can work under DC voltage of 400V.

[0034] It should be noted that LEDs have a negative temperature coefficient and a steep current-voltage characteristic, requiring constant current drive to prevent current runaway. Unstable current or excessively high temperature will lead to rapid light decay of the LED, severely shortening its lifespan. Therefore, a high-quality constant current drive (such as a switching type) is crucial for ensuring stable LED brightness, improving lifespan, and enhancing reliability. In related technologies, LEDs are powered by a low-voltage constant voltage circuit after being stepped down from the tethered UAV. To maintain stability, this low-voltage constant voltage circuit needs to undergo DC-DC conversion through a low-voltage to constant current low-voltage lamp driver circuit. In this embodiment, a constant current output link capable of outputting a second high-voltage current is directly connected to a high-voltage lighting lamp. The output current value of the constant current output link is controlled by the main control module on the ground, allowing brightness adjustment to be achieved from the ground. Eliminating the onboard lamp driver effectively reduces the overall size and weight of the tethered UAV, thus reducing the power required for flight.

[0035] In some embodiments, the high-voltage lighting lamp includes a first lamp group and a second lamp group, which are connected in parallel. The first lamp group includes a first lamp board and a second lamp board, which are connected in series. The second lamp group includes a third lamp board and a fourth lamp board, which are connected in series.

[0036] In this embodiment, the tethered drone has four lamp walls. The high-voltage lighting includes four lamp panels distributed on the drone's lamp walls. One lamp panel is fixed on each lamp wall. The lamp panel is a PCB board with lighting beads.

[0037] Specifically, the link first connects two light panels in series to form a first and a second light group, thus increasing the load voltage of the high-voltage lighting lamps. Then, the two light groups are connected in parallel and powered by an AC / DC switching power supply at the ground end through a separate cable. The actual link is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 In the first lamp panel (lamp panel 1) and the second lamp panel (lamp panel 2) are connected in series to form the first lamp group, and the third lamp panel (lamp panel 3) and the fourth lamp panel (lamp panel 4) are connected in series to form the second lamp group.

[0038] In some embodiments, each light panel includes a number of LEDs, and all LEDs on the same light panel are connected in series.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, each lamp board includes several high-brightness, high-power LEDs. All LEDs are evenly distributed on the PC board. Each LED has a withstand voltage of 12V and a power of up to 18W. The withstand voltage of the lamp board is improved by connecting multiple LEDs in series. The combined LEDs can work under DC voltage of 400V.

[0040] In some embodiments, the tethered drone includes a voltage regulator module connected to a constant voltage output link, which is used to step down and regulate a first high voltage to a first low voltage.

[0041] In this embodiment, the tethered drone is equipped with a voltage regulator module, which is connected to a constant voltage output link. This module can step down and regulate the transmitted first high voltage, and then transmit the stepped-down first low voltage to various sensors such as the ESC, motor, and flight controller to maintain the normal flight power supply of the tethered drone.

[0042] For example, the voltage regulator module is a DC-DC voltage regulator module that can step down and regulate a first high voltage of 400V to obtain a first low voltage of 24V.

[0043] In some embodiments, the tether cable is a four-core cable, which includes a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, wherein the first cable and the second cable are a first pair, and the third cable and the fourth cable are a second pair.

[0044] One end of the first wire pair is connected to the constant voltage output link, and the other end of the first wire pair is connected to the regulated power supply module.

[0045] One end of the second wire pair is connected to the constant current output link, and the other end of the second wire pair is connected to the high-voltage lighting lamp.

[0046] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 5 The tethered cable is a four-core cable containing four independent conductors. The four conductors are divided into different pairs according to their functions. The first and second conductors are the first pair, and the third and fourth conductors are the second pair.

[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the constant current output and constant voltage output share the same tether cable for transmission, but use different wire pairs. The first wire pair is used to power the tethered drone. One end of the wire is connected to the positive and negative output terminals of the constant voltage output link, and the other end extends to the tethered drone and connects to the voltage regulator module on the tethered drone, which can transmit the first high voltage to maintain the flight of the tethered drone.

[0048] The second wire pair is a wire pair used to power the high-voltage lighting lamp. One end of the wire is connected to the positive and negative output terminals of the constant current output link, and the other end extends to the high-voltage lighting lamp. It can transmit a second high-voltage current that drives the high-voltage lighting lamp and has adjustable brightness.

[0049] In some embodiments, power line communication is conducted between the ground terminal and the tethered drone via a tethered cable.

[0050] In this embodiment, there are many common communication methods between the ground terminal and the tethered UAV, such as 2.4G image transmission and fiber optic cables. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, various information about the UAV is obtained through communication via power line carrier using a tethered cable.

[0051] In some embodiments, the tethered drone further includes an altitude detection module for detecting the current flight altitude of the tethered drone.

[0052] The main control module is used to adjust the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current flight altitude in order to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting.

[0053] In this embodiment, to avoid visual impairment caused by the high brightness of the tethered drone, the tethered drone also includes an altitude detection module, which is used to detect the current flight altitude of the tethered drone above the ground in real time. The main control module adjusts the output current value of the constant current output link to achieve automatic brightness control by obtaining the current flight altitude of the tethered drone. When the drone is close to the ground (e.g., 3 to 5 meters), the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting is limited to a low brightness range.

[0054] Once the tethered drone ascends to a certain altitude, it can automatically adjust the output current value of the constant current output link to adjust the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to the set brightness.

[0055] In some embodiments, adjusting the output current value of the constant current output link based on the current flight altitude to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting includes: The altitude is compared with the current flight altitude and the preset first altitude threshold to obtain the first altitude comparison result.

[0056] If the first altitude comparison result is that the current flight altitude is greater than or equal to the first altitude threshold, then the altitude is compared with the current flight altitude and the preset second altitude threshold to obtain the second altitude comparison result, wherein the second altitude threshold is greater than the first altitude threshold.

[0057] If the second altitude comparison result indicates that the current flight altitude is greater than the second altitude threshold, the output current value is adjusted to the first current value to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to the first level; otherwise, the output current value is adjusted to the second current value to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to the second level.

[0058] In this embodiment, the lighting logic of the high-voltage lighting lamp is as follows: after the tethered drone takes off from the ground, the current flight altitude is obtained in real time. At the same time, by introducing a first altitude threshold and a second altitude threshold, the flight area of ​​the tethered drone is divided. According to the different flight altitudes of the tethered drone, the brightness level is automatically controlled. The brightness level includes a first level of 100% brightness and a second level of 10% brightness.

[0059] Specifically, during the ascent phase of the tethered drone, after obtaining the current flight altitude for the first time, it is first compared with the first altitude threshold, which is the minimum safe operating altitude of the tethered drone. If the result of the first altitude comparison is that the current flight altitude is greater than or equal to the first altitude threshold, it means that the tethered drone has flown to the low-altitude operating area. At this time, the output current value can be adjusted to the second current value to control the high-voltage lighting to turn on with 10% brightness.

[0060] If the tethered drone continues to ascend in the low-altitude area until it exceeds the second altitude threshold, it means that the tethered drone is already far from the ground and the light will not cause vision damage to people. At this time, the output current value can be adjusted to the first current value to control the high-voltage lighting to turn on at 100% brightness.

[0061] During the descent phase of the tethered drone, the high-voltage lighting is turned off by reducing its brightness to 10% when the current flight altitude is less than or equal to the second altitude threshold, and automatically turning off when the current flight altitude is less than the first altitude threshold.

[0062] For example, assuming the first height threshold is 3 meters and the second height threshold is 10 meters, the light brightness will be turned on at 10% when the tethered drone is 3 to 10 meters high, and the light brightness will automatically turn on to 100% when the height exceeds 10 meters. Similarly, when the tethered drone descends to a height of 10 meters above the ground, the light brightness will be reduced to 10%, and when the tethered drone descends to a height of less than 3 meters, the light will automatically turn off.

[0063] Understandably, the above control logic can be interrupted by the user using case control on the ground terminal.

[0064] In some embodiments, the high-voltage lighting lamp further includes a temperature detection module for detecting the current lamp plate temperature of the high-voltage lighting lamp.

[0065] The main control module is used to adjust the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current lamp board temperature in order to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp.

[0066] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the high-voltage lighting lamp also includes a temperature detection module, which is used to detect the current lamp board temperature in real time to perform high-temperature protection, reduce the heat dissipation pressure on the power supply and lamp board, thereby effectively reducing the size and volume of the heat sink.

[0067] Specifically, the temperature monitoring module can simultaneously monitor the temperature of the four lamp panels of the high-voltage lighting lamp, dynamically collect the current lamp panel temperature corresponding to the four lamp panels, and the main control module adjusts the output current value of the constant current output link to achieve automatic brightness control by detecting the current lamp panel temperature in real time.

[0068] When any LED panel of a high-voltage lighting lamp overheats due to continuous lighting, the main control module automatically reduces the output current value to limit the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp to a low brightness range, thereby reducing the heat generated by the LED lamp and helping the lamp panel temperature drop.

[0069] If the current lamp panel temperature has dropped back to a safe range, then the brightness level will be restored to the user-set level.

[0070] Optionally, the temperature detection module can use four temperature sensors to collect the current temperature of the corresponding light panel by placing them in close contact with the four light panels.

[0071] In some embodiments, adjusting the output current value of the constant current output link based on the current lamp panel temperature to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp includes: The temperature is compared with the current lamp panel temperature and the preset first temperature threshold to obtain the first temperature comparison result.

[0072] When the first temperature comparison result shows that the current lamp panel temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold, the output current value is reduced according to the preset adjustment cycle and adjustment range until the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp is the third level.

[0073] In this embodiment, to address heat dissipation under high-power operation, a preset first temperature threshold is used as the trigger condition for activating automatic cooling protection. Simultaneously, the main control module periodically reduces the output current value of the constant current output link through a preset adjustment cycle and adjustment range. By evaluating whether the high-voltage lighting lamp can return to a safe temperature within the adjustment cycle, the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp is controlled in stages. After each adjustment cycle, the current lamp board temperature is reassessed in relation to the first temperature threshold. If the current lamp board temperature is still greater than the first temperature threshold, the output current value is adjusted again according to the adjustment range until the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp reaches the third level. The third level ensures that the high-voltage lighting lamp can remain stable within a safe range even under the worst heat dissipation conditions.

[0074] For example, suppose the first temperature threshold is set to 75°C, the third level is 30% brightness, the adjustment cycle is 10s, and the adjustment range is 10% brightness.

[0075] Once the current light panel temperature is detected, the tethered drone transmits the temperature to the ground terminal, where the main control module performs protective control. When the detected temperature exceeds 75°C, the brightness is reduced by 10% every 10 seconds, starting from the user-set preset brightness. The temperature is then checked again to see if it exceeds 75°C. Adjustment stops when the brightness drops to a minimum of 30%.

[0076] Furthermore, a temperature comparison can be performed between the current lamp panel temperature and a preset second temperature threshold to obtain a second temperature comparison result. If the second temperature comparison result indicates that the current lamp panel temperature is lower than the second temperature threshold, the lighting brightness will automatically revert to the user-preset setting.

[0077] The solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail and explained below with reference to specific application examples: Reference Figure 7 In product applications, the power supply is provided by an external AC 220V mains power or generator. After the internal ACDC switching power supply module of the tethered power supply system converts the two high-voltage outputs, they are connected to the tethered cable through an electric slip ring and control circuit. The tethered cable has two circuits with four cores and is connected to the tethered drone through a connector. The drone is equipped with a DC-DC regulated power supply, which can step down and regulate one of the 400V to 24V. This power supply maintains the normal flight power supply of the drone and includes the ESC, motors, flight controller, and various sensors. The other is a 380V high-voltage constant current, which is directly connected to the high-voltage lamp board to realize the lighting function.

[0078] Understandably, with the dual-power supply and airborne driverless solution adopted in this application, the fluctuations caused by the internal resistance of the tethered cable to the lamp board are negligible since the high-voltage lighting is driven by a constant current. Only constant current control of the ground-side power supply is needed to ensure a constant output current. After the high-voltage lighting is split into separate circuits, the constant voltage output of the tethered drone power supply will not cause power fluctuations. The power fluctuation of the tethered drone power supply circuit is minimal. Under ideal conditions, with low line resistance and a sufficient power input range, voltage compensation is unnecessary to ensure normal product operation, effectively reducing product development difficulty.

[0079] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a dual-power supply system for a high-voltage lighting system for a tethered drone, provided in another embodiment of this application. The system is mainly composed of a tethered drone (sky end) and a tethered power supply system (ground end).

[0080] The tethered power supply system's AC-DC switching power supply module converts the 220V AC input into two adjustable outputs. One output is a 400V constant voltage output, which supplies the drone's voltage regulator module through two of the tethered cables. The voltage regulator module is used to step down and regulate the 400V high voltage, resulting in a 24V output that powers the drone's ESC, motors, and flight controller to maintain the tethered drone's flight. The other output is a 390V constant current output, which is transmitted to the tethered drone through the remaining two tethered cables and then directly connected to the light board to drive the LEDs for illumination. The brightness of the lights can be controlled by adjusting the output current.

[0081] The main control module, as the control part of the ground-end equipment, is responsible for communication with the UAV, the control of peripherals and power supply within the ground end, and can achieve automatic brightness control by obtaining the current flight altitude and current light panel temperature of the tethered UAV.

[0082] The high-voltage lighting on the tethered drone consists of multiple light panels, each with multiple high-brightness LEDs attached. These LEDs are connected in series and parallel to achieve high voltage resistance. The lighting also includes a temperature sensor to monitor the operating temperature of the light panels.

[0083] Reference Figure 9 The ACDC switching power supply module uses 90Vac~264Vac input and has 3 output voltages: main VO1 outputs 320V-420V, main VO2 outputs 390V-445V, and auxiliary VO3 outputs 24V. The maximum output power is 3200W.

[0084] The auxiliary VO3 output of the power module provides 24V to power the equipment and ensure the normal operation of the system. After the user connects the drone, press the high voltage start button (which is collected by the main control board and then sent to the control board through internal communication). The control board sends the VO2 start command to the power module through RS485 communication to start the high voltage output of the constant voltage channel.

[0085] After the user presses the light-on button, the control board sends a VO1 start command to the power module via RS485 communication to start the high-voltage output of the constant current channel.

[0086] In summary, the dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting of tethered UAVs provided in this application utilizes a "dual-power supply and airborne de-driving" system architecture. The ground-based power supply directly powers the lamp panel, reducing energy loss in the circuit and improving lighting efficiency. Furthermore, due to the dual-power supply, voltage ripple during lamp panel operation does not affect the UAV's flight power supply, and the impact of changes in line resistance loss is reduced. Moreover, this application achieves centralized and intelligent brightness control, directly controlled by the ground power supply. By eliminating the lamp driver component of the lamp panel, its size and weight are reduced, effectively lowering the overall weight and size of the tethered UAV, reducing flight power requirements, and consequently reducing the power consumption of the airborne power supply. Intelligent heat dissipation protection also reduces the heat dissipation pressure on the power supply and lamp panel, allowing for a reduction in the size and volume of the heat sink.

[0087] The embodiments described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of technology and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions shown in the figures do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application, and may include more or fewer steps than shown, or combine certain steps, or different steps.

[0089] The system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps in the methods disclosed above, as well as the functional modules / units in the systems and devices, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0091] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0092] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "more than" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0093] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the system embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of the units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between systems or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0094] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0095] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0096] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes multiple instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing programs, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0097] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the embodiments of the present application shall be within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A dual-power supply system for high-voltage lighting on tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, The system includes a ground terminal, a tethered drone, a tether cable, and a high-voltage light. The ground terminal includes a switching power supply module and a main control module. The main control module is connected to the switching power supply module. The switching power supply module is connected to both the tethered drone and the high-voltage light via the tether cable. The high-voltage light is fixed to the tethered drone. The switching power supply module is used to convert the input AC power into two adjustable output power supply links, one of which is a constant voltage output link and the other is a constant current output link. The constant voltage output link is used to provide the tethered UAV with a first high voltage power to maintain flight, and the constant current output link is used to provide the high voltage power to the high voltage lighting lamp. The main control module is used to control the output voltage value of the constant voltage output link and the output current value of the constant current output link.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage lighting lamp includes a first lamp group and a second lamp group, which are connected in parallel. The first lamp group includes a first lamp board and a second lamp board, which are connected in series. The second lamp group includes a third lamp board and a fourth lamp board, which are connected in series.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each light panel includes several LEDs, and all the LEDs on the same light panel are connected in series.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tethered drone includes a voltage regulator module, which is connected to the constant voltage output link. The voltage regulator module is used to step down and regulate the first high voltage to a first low voltage.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tethering cable is a four-core cable, comprising a first cable, a second cable, a third cable, and a fourth cable, wherein the first cable and the second cable form a first pair, and the third cable and the fourth cable form a second pair. One end of the first wire pair is connected to the constant voltage output link, and the other end of the first wire pair is connected to the regulated power supply module. One end of the second wire pair is connected to the constant current output link, and the other end of the second wire pair is connected to the high-voltage lighting lamp.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ground terminal and the tethered drone communicate via power line carrier communication through the tethered cable.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tethered drone also includes an altitude detection module, which is used to detect the current flight altitude of the tethered drone; The main control module is used to adjust the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current flight altitude in order to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current flight altitude to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting includes: The altitude is compared with the current flight altitude and the preset first altitude threshold to obtain the first altitude comparison result; When the first altitude comparison result is that the current flight altitude is greater than or equal to the first altitude threshold, then an altitude comparison is performed based on the current flight altitude and a preset second altitude threshold to obtain a second altitude comparison result, wherein the second altitude threshold is greater than the first altitude threshold; If the second altitude comparison result indicates that the current flight altitude is greater than the second altitude threshold, the output current value is adjusted to a first current value to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to a first level; otherwise, the output current value is adjusted to a second current value to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting to a second level.

9. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The high-voltage lighting lamp also includes a temperature detection module, which is used to detect the current lamp plate temperature of the high-voltage lighting lamp; The main control module is used to adjust the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current lamp board temperature in order to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the output current value of the constant current output link according to the current lamp board temperature to control the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp includes: The temperature is compared with the current lamp panel temperature and the preset first temperature threshold to obtain the first temperature comparison result; When the first temperature comparison result indicates that the current lamp panel temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold, the output current value is reduced according to a preset adjustment cycle and adjustment range until the brightness level of the high-voltage lighting lamp is the third level.

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