Autonomous Refueling Vehicle for Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Pods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aviation industry faces challenges in reducing CO2 emissions due to the limitations of conventional battery and solar power solutions for aircraft, which have low energy density, weight constraints, and safety issues, limiting flight range and speed. Additionally, unmanned vehicles face short operational times and safety risks from unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen-electric aviation system with distributed and interchangeable electric propulsion pods, autonomous refueling, and an automated unmanned vehicle storage station, utilizing hydrogen fuel cells for power and an autonomous refueling infrastructure to enhance flight duration and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional battery power solutions are used for aircraft electrification, then the power generation efficiency is improved, but the energy density and flight duration are limited due to low specific energy values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from battery-based electrical energy storage to hydrogen fuel cell-based chemical energy storage, fundamentally changing the energy parameter from electrical to chemical form. This enables significantly higher specific energy values (Wh/kg), directly resolving the contradiction between power generation efficiency and flight duration by providing both efficient power conversion and extended energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition capability of hydrogen storage systems, allowing hydrogen to be stored and converted between different states (compressed gas, liquid, or solid hydrides). This enables flexible energy density adjustment while maintaining continuous power supply, thereby extending flight duration without compromising power generation efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are placed over the wing to increase power output, then the energy generation is improved, but the wing becomes extremely long and wide which is undesirable from an aerodynamic perspective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy generation function from the wing structure itself (solar cells on wings) and relocates it to dedicated hydrogen fuel cell power units. This separation allows the wing to maintain its optimal aerodynamic shape while the energy generation system provides sufficient power independently, resolving the contradiction between energy generation and wing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydrogen fuel cells as an intermediary energy source between the atmosphere (unlike direct solar dependence) and the propulsion system. This intermediary enables consistent energy generation regardless of weather conditions or time of day, providing reliable power without requiring extensive wing surface area modification.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional petroleum-based fuels are used for aircraft, then the flight range and speed are maintained, but CO2 emissions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the fuel from hydrocarbon-based petroleum fuels to hydrogen-based fuel. This fundamental chemical parameter change results in complete combustion producing only water vapor, eliminating CO2 emissions while maintaining the high energy density and flight range characteristics of conventional fuels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydrogen's high reactivity with oxygen in the air during combustion, creating a more efficient and complete oxidation process compared to hydrocarbon fuels. This accelerated oxidation not only eliminates CO2 emissions but also provides higher energy release efficiency, maintaining flight range while achieving clean propulsion.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the number of solar cells is increased to increase power output, then the energy generation is improved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from solar electrical energy (requiring large surface areas and extensive cell arrays) to hydrogen chemical energy (stored in compact tanks). This parameter change enables equivalent or superior power output with dramatically reduced weight, as hydrogen's high specific energy allows compact storage without the weight penalty of extensive solar cell installations.
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 hydrogen-electric system increases flight range and reduces carbon emissions by leveraging high-energy-density hydrogen fuel, while the autonomous refueling and storage solutions streamline operations and mitigate unauthorized drone risks.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen-electric powered unmanned vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The application provides an autonomous refueling vehicle for a hydrogen-electric aircraft, which includes two or more wings. The wings are provided with one or more removable electric propulsion pods. The autonomous refueling vehicle includes a hydrogen refueling module adapted to connect to the propulsion pods and to a hydrogen source. The autonomous refueling vehicle includes also includes a propulsion pod handling device, which is adapted to remove the propulsion pod from the wings and to position the propulsion pods on the hydrogen refueling module such that the propulsion pods are connected to the hydrogen refueling module. The autonomous refueling vehicle is also adapted to autonomously move itself to the hydrogen source to allow the hydrogen refueling module to removably connect to the hydrogen source for refueling of the propulsion pods.