Flexible Solar Sheets for UAV Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The endurance of current small and High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs is limited by power consumption and battery energy storage capacity, restricting their operational time and range over targets.
Innovation Solution
Integration of lightweight, high-efficiency solar cells or solar sheets on the UAVs, providing additional power through solar energy, which increases the endurance without significantly increasing the vehicle's weight or degrading aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend flight time, then endurance is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar cells with the UAV structure, merging the power generation function into the existing airframe. The solar cells are integrated onto wings, fuselage, or other surfaces, creating a hybrid power system that merges solar energy conversion with the vehicle structure itself, thereby extending endurance without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cells serve multiple functions: they generate electrical power for extended flight, and when integrated into the UAV structure, they also serve as part of the airframe surface. This multi-functionality allows the same component to contribute to both power generation and structural integrity, improving endurance while minimizing additional weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If solar cells are added to increase power generation, then endurance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cells are merged with the UAV structure rather than being added as separate, discrete components. This integration approach combines the power generation system with the airframe, reducing the need for additional mounting structures, wiring harnesses, and control systems, thereby improving endurance while limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional solar cells are used to generate power, then endurance is improved, but aerodynamic performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies solar cells with specific properties to specific locations on the UAV where they will have minimal impact on aerodynamics. By selecting appropriate areas such as the upper surfaces of wings or fuselage where airflow is less sensitive to surface irregularities, the system achieves power generation while maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin-film solar cells allows for a flexible, low-profile configuration that conforms to the UAV's aerodynamic surfaces. These thin films create minimal disruption to airflow patterns compared to conventional rigid solar panels, thereby extending endurance while preserving aerodynamic efficiency.
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
Significantly enhances the operational effectiveness of UAVs by extending their flight time and range, allowing them to spend more time over targets and travel further without the need for frequent recharging or refueling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar cells configured to be installed on a surface of a battery-powered or fuel cell powered UAV
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a high efficiency, lightweight solar sheet. Some embodiments include a solar sheet configured for installation on a surface of a UAV or on a surface of a component of a UAV. The solar sheet includes a plurality of solar cells and a polymer layer to which the plurality of solar cells are attached. Some embodiments include a kit for supplying solar power in a battery-powered or fuel cell powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by incorporating flexible solar cells into a component of a UAV, affixing flexible solar cells to a surface of a UAV, or affixing flexible solar cells to a surface of a component of a UAV. The kit also includes a power conditioning system configured to operate the solar cells within a desired power range and configured to provide power having a voltage compatible with an electrical system of the UAV.