Flight Controller Generator Throttle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered drone aircraft have limited flight times due to energy storage constraints, and relying on gasoline engines introduces throttle lag, necessitating a solution to manage power demand without battery assistance.
Innovation Solution
A flight controller that integrates with a generator system, anticipating power demands and adjusting generator throttle settings to match power production, thereby eliminating the need for battery power and mitigating throttle lag by delaying and limiting the rate of change of electronic speed control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a battery is used to bridge the power gap during engine throttle lag, then instantaneous power demand can be met, but device complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the hybrid power system, extracting only the necessary function of meeting instantaneous power demand. The generator alone is retained and optimized to provide both sustained and instantaneous power through improved throttle response control, eliminating the complexity, weight, and cost associated with battery integration while maintaining the ability to meet power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed to perform multiple functions: providing sustained power for normal operation and delivering instantaneous power during throttle transitions. By making the generator universal for both steady-state and transient power delivery, the system eliminates the need for a separate battery subsystem while maintaining full operational capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a gasoline engine is used to extend flight time, then energy density is improved, but throttle lag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by anticipating future power demands based on flight controller signals. The throttle control system proactively adjusts generator throttle settings in advance of actual power demands, pre-positioning the generator to meet upcoming load requirements and thereby eliminating throttle lag while maintaining extended flight time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the flight controller continuously monitors power demands and communicates with the generator throttle controller. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time adjustment of generator output to match actual and anticipated load requirements, eliminating throttle lag while preserving the extended flight time benefit of gasoline engine power.
3Device complexity
If battery power is eliminated from the system, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but power delivery stability during throttle transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical battery system with an improved generator control system. By substituting the passive energy storage approach of batteries with an actively controlled generator system that uses electronic throttle management and feedback control, the system maintains power delivery stability while reducing complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting generator throttle settings based on real-time power demands and anticipated loads. Through parameter changes in throttle position, RPM control, and load matching, the generator maintains stable power delivery across all operating conditions without requiring battery assistance, thereby simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an electronic speed control throttle input from which an anticipated electrical power demand is determined. The system includes a controller that determines a throttle input for a generator in order to satisfy the anticipated electrical power demand. The system includes an electronic speed control throttle output providing a delayed electronic speed control throttle signal.