Unmanned Aircraft Dual-Battery Power Distribution for Longer Flights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing battery states, particularly in increasing power storage capacity without significantly increasing weight, which affects payload and flight duration.
Innovation Solution
A multicopter configuration with a parallel hybrid drive system, utilizing an internal combustion engine for both thrust generation and power generation, combined with a sub-battery charged by a second electrical component, allows for efficient power distribution and monitoring of battery states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the main battery capacity is increased to extend flight duration, then the flight duration is improved, but the weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage system is divided into two independent batteries: a main battery for primary power supply and a sub-battery for auxiliary power and monitoring. This segmentation allows the main battery to be optimized for capacity without requiring excessive weight, while the sub-battery provides supplementary functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-battery serves multiple functions: it provides backup power, enables monitoring of the main battery's state of charge and health, and can supply power to electrical components when the main battery is depleted. This multi-functionality extends flight duration without proportionally increasing weight.
2Reliability
If the sub-battery is used to monitor the main battery state, then the reliability of battery monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-battery autonomously monitors the main battery's state of charge and health by measuring voltage and current parameters. The monitoring system uses the sub-battery as both a reference power source and a sensing element, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-battery and main battery use the same battery chemistry and structure, allowing direct comparison and monitoring of state parameters. This homogeneity simplifies the monitoring system design compared to using different battery types or additional sensor systems.
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
This configuration enhances payload capacity and flight duration while maintaining efficient energy utilization and precise attitude control, enabling various agricultural and operational applications.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator; a main battery that can be charged by electricity generated by the power generator
Implementation Method 2
a charging circuit connecting the second electrical component and the sub-battery. The sub-battery is charged by receiving power from the second electrical component through the charging circuit
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a power generator; a first electrical component; a second electrical component; a main battery capable of being charged with power generated by the power generator; a sub-battery; and a charging circuit connecting the second electrical component and the sub-battery. The sub-battery is charged by receiving power from the second electrical component through the charging circuit, and supplies the charged power to the first electrical component.