Adaptable Solar Airframe for Sun Tracking and Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar aircraft designs suffer from reduced solar power collection efficiency due to cosine law losses when the sun's direction is not parallel to the solar panels, leading to increased propulsion power needs and aerodynamic instability, especially at low-light or nighttime conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable solar airframe that modifies its orientation and shape to optimize sunlight collection by banking solar collectors around the flight axis and increasing the cross-section to compensate for roll and pitch angles, using flexible and transparent materials that can fold or expand to minimize drag and maximize solar energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If solar panels are fixed on the wing surface, then the aircraft structure is simple, but solar power collection efficiency decreases due to cosine law losses when the sun is not directly overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the solar panel mounting structure movable rather than fixed. The panels can tilt and rotate to track the sun's position, allowing the aircraft to maintain optimal solar collection efficiency throughout the day while managing the complexity through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional degree of freedom by allowing solar panels to tilt along a single axis perpendicular to the wing span. This dimensional change enables the panels to compensate for the sun's angular position without requiring complex multi-axis tracking systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels tilt to follow the sun, then solar power collection efficiency improves, but aerodynamic stability deteriorates due to turbulence and drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts panel tilt angles to balance solar collection needs with aerodynamic stability requirements. The system can modify tilt angles in real-time based on flight conditions, allowing optimal power collection during stable flight while reducing tilt during high-speed or turbulent conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different tilt angles to different sections of solar panels along the wing span. This local quality approach allows certain panels to tilt for optimal solar collection while others maintain a more aerodynamic position, balancing power generation needs with overall aircraft stability.
3Ease of operation
If the aircraft flies in the direction perpendicular to solar azimuth, then single-axis tilting panels work effectively, but solar collection efficiency decreases when flying in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tilt angle adjustment that responds to both the sun's position and the aircraft's heading. This allows the single-axis tilting mechanism to maintain effective solar collection across various flight directions by adapting the tilt angle to compensate for changes in relative sun position.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptable solar airframe reduces aerodynamic drag and enhances solar collection efficiency by compensating for varying sunlight conditions, allowing prolonged flight times and reduced propulsion power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules may be used to collect the solar energy during the day
Implementation Method 2
the adaptable airframe orients the solar collectors towards the sun to maximize solar energy capture
Implementation Method 3
using flexible and transparent materials that can fold or expand to minimize drag
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes a solar PV system having at least one solar tracking system and being able to follow the sun position in order to increase sunlight collection and power output; and an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that minimizes parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being at least partially transparent to sunlight, further enclosing the solar PV system, and further being able to change its shape in response to changes in the positions of the solar PV system.