Emergency Power Generator Flow Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ram air turbines for vehicles are limited in size and power generation due to installation constraints, weight, and the need for a strut, and they require time to spin up, making them inefficient for meeting increasing power demands of complex electrical and hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A power generator system that includes a loop of resistive devices deployed from a vehicle, coupled with a pulley and generator, and a flow control device to increase airflow, allowing for immediate power generation with a higher power-to-weight ratio and without the need for a strut, enabling efficient power generation at various speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size of the air turbine is increased to generate more power, then the power generation capability is improved, but the weight and installation constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is divided into multiple resistive devices (parachutes, drag devices) that can be deployed independently or in combination. Each device contributes to power generation through aerodynamic drag, allowing the system to achieve high power output without requiring a single large, heavy turbine component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional horizontal-axis air turbine to a vertical deployment system where resistive devices are dropped from the aircraft. This dimensional change allows the power generation system to utilize the aircraft's vertical space and aerodynamic flow more effectively, achieving higher power-to-weight ratios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a strut is added to support the air turbine, then the structural stability is improved, but the weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the strut component entirely from the power generation system. Instead of supporting a turbine with a heavy strut, the system uses freely deployed resistive devices that generate power through aerodynamic drag without requiring mechanical support structures during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive devices are designed to deploy and operate autonomously without requiring support from external structures. The devices use the aircraft's forward motion and aerodynamic forces to generate power, making the system self-supporting and eliminating the need for weight-consuming struts.
3Loss of time
If the air turbine is designed for immediate power availability, then the response time is improved, but the spin-up time requirement creates a delay
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive devices are pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment. When power is needed, the devices are dropped and begin generating power almost instantly as they encounter aerodynamic drag, eliminating the spin-up delay inherent in turbine systems that require rotational acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention skips the spin-up phase entirely by using a different power generation mechanism. Instead of gradually accelerating a turbine to operational speed, the resistive devices immediately convert aerodynamic drag into rotational motion of the generator, providing instant power availability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft systems become more intricate and complicated, then the functionality is improved, but the power needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is designed to provide versatile power output that can meet the demands of various aircraft systems. The resistive devices can be deployed in different configurations and combinations to generate the required power levels for different operational scenarios, making the system adaptable to complex aircraft electrical and hydraulic requirements.
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 system provides significant weight savings and efficient emergency power generation at both high and low speeds, with the ability to instantly produce power, overcoming the limitations of conventional ram air turbines.
Implementation Method 1
the flow control device has an input configured to receive an input airflow, and has an output configured to generate an output airflow. In some embodiments, a first speed of the input airflow is less than a second speed of the output airflow.
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the plurality of resistive devices is configured to transfer a force to the loop, where the force is generated based on an aerodynamic drag associated with the at least one resistive device.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for generating power for a vehicle. Apparatus may include a power generator configured to generate power based on one or more aerodynamic forces associated with a vehicle. The power generator may be further configured to be deployed from a first portion of the vehicle. The apparatus may also include a flow control device configured to generate an increase in airflow associated with the power generator. The increase in airflow enables, at least in part, the generation of additional power by the power generator. The flow control device may be further configured to be deployed from a second portion of the vehicle.