Airborne Kinetic Energy Conversion System for Hybrid UAV Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAVs rely primarily on solar energy, which is limited to daylight hours, whereas wind energy is available 24/7, necessitating a hybrid power system to ensure continuous and reliable renewable energy harvesting for prolonged flight durations.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a kinetic energy conversion system (KECS) comprising a turbine, generator, and energy storage means into an aircraft airframe, allowing for the harvesting of wind energy through mechanical or electrical conversion and storage, complementing solar power in a hybrid system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If solar energy is used as the primary power source, then the aircraft can harvest renewable energy during daylight hours, but the energy availability is limited to daytime only and cannot sustain flight during nighttime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar energy harvesting with wind energy harvesting into a hybrid power system. The solar panels collect energy during daytime while the kinetic energy conversion system captures wind energy, allowing the aircraft to operate continuously both day and night by merging multiple energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both solar panels and a kinetic energy conversion system with turbine and generator. This universal design allows the same aircraft to harvest energy from both solar and wind sources, ensuring continuous operation regardless of time of day or weather conditions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If only solar power is used, then the system design is simpler, but the energy source is insufficient for prolonged flight beyond daylight hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges solar power generation with wind power generation in a single hybrid system. The solar panels and kinetic energy conversion system work together to provide continuous power, extending endurance beyond what either system could achieve alone while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Reliability
If wind energy is added to create a hybrid power system, then energy availability improves for 24/7 operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power system is segmented into distinct functional modules: solar panels for daytime energy collection, a kinetic energy conversion system with turbine and generator for wind energy capture, and energy storage components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to improve reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft structure serves multiple functions by integrating both solar and wind energy harvesting capabilities. The airframe accommodates both solar panels on its surface and the kinetic energy conversion system, making the same structure universally capable of harvesting energy from multiple renewable sources.
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
Enables UAVs to access alternative power sources like wind, turbulence, and thermals, providing a more reliable and efficient means for sustained flight at high altitudes for days, weeks, or even years by utilizing wind energy in conjunction with solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
an airborne kinetic energy conversion system attached to the airframe, the airborne kinetic energy conversion system comprising a turbine
Implementation Method 2
harvesting of wind energy through mechanical or electrical conversion
Implementation Method 3
a generator connected to the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to harvest renewable energy are provided herein. In some embodiments, a wind-powered aircraft includes an airframe suitable for untethered flight in an open airspace; and an airborne kinetic energy conversion system attached to the airframe, the airborne kinetic energy conversion system comprising a turbine, a generator connected to the turbine, and an electrical storage means connected to the generator.