Distributed Battery Pack for UAV Electromagnetic Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face issues with limited flight time, significant space occupation by batteries, and electromagnetic interference due to the proximity of batteries to the central controller, which can cause critical failures during flight.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a distributed battery pack with metal-clad high-energy-density battery assemblies located away from the central controller and proximate to the propelling modules, along with an electrical speed-controller module, to reduce electromagnetic interference and optimize power distribution using a battery-power balancing circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If batteries are arranged near the central controller to simplify power distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic interference to the central controller increases causing potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple distributed battery assemblies positioned at different locations throughout the UAV structure. Each battery assembly independently powers nearby components, segmenting the power distribution system to reduce electromagnetic interference while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The batteries are extracted from the traditional centralized location near the central controller and repositioned to distributed locations throughout the airframe. This extraction removes the source of electromagnetic interference from proximity to sensitive control electronics while maintaining power distribution efficiency through strategic placement near propelling modules
2Duration of action of moving object
If metal-clad batteries are used to increase energy density, then flight time is extended, but magnetic interference to the central controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-energy-density metal-clad battery system is segmented into multiple distributed assemblies rather than using a single centralized battery. This allows the UAV to benefit from extended flight time through increased total energy capacity while reducing magnetic interference by spacing the metal-clad batteries away from the central controller location
Solution Approach 2:
Metal-clad batteries with high energy density are strategically positioned in locations where their magnetic field impact on the central controller is minimized. The local quality of electromagnetic environment is optimized by placing these high-density batteries in structurally appropriate locations that maintain both flight time extension and interference reduction
3Weight of moving object
If Li-Po batteries are used to reduce weight, then power-to-weight ratio is improved, but flight time is limited and recharging time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of Li-Po batteries (light weight, high power density) with metal-clad batteries (high energy density, extended flight time) in a distributed hybrid configuration. This combination allows the UAV to achieve both reduced weight and extended flight time by strategically placing different battery types in locations that optimize their respective strengths
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3D
Figure 3E~3H
AI summary
A battery-powered aerial vehicle has a central controller, one or more propelling modules, and one or more battery assemblies for powering at least the one or more propelling modules. The battery assemblies are at a distance away from the central controller for reducing electromagnetic interference to the central controller. In some embodiments, the aerial vehicle is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a center unit, a plurality of rotor units circumferentially uniformly distributed about and coupled to the center unit, and one or more battery assemblies. The central controller is in the center unit and the propelling modules are in respective rotor units. Each battery assembly is in a rotor unit in proximity with the propelling module thereof. In some embodiments, the central controller also has a battery-power balancing circuit for balancing the power consumption rates of the one or more battery assemblies.